Huntsman Nomination: Bad News for Tibet?

China is the largest buyer of US government debt, with $767,900,000,000.00 as of March, according to Treasury Department data released on Friday. Washington must maintain a strong relationship -- particularly now as the $787 billion stimulus package and $700 billion financial bailout fund have strained finances.

If China pulls back on its purchases of US bonds, it will drive up interest rates, making it more expensive for the government to finance its growing debt. It will also raise borrowing rates for a host of consumer and business loans, including home mortgages.

So, Obama nominates Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R), to be the next U.S. Ambassador to China. He speaks Mandarin, his family owns a factory in Shanghai, and one of his daughters was adopted from China.

You do the math.