SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman's nomination to be the U.S. ambassador to China has been received by the Senate.

President Barack Obama tapped Huntsman for the post nearly two months ago. The formal nomination was sent on Monday.

The Republican governor is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and is expected to face little opposition in the Senate.

It is unclear whether confirmation hearings will be held before the August recess.

Once confirmed by the Senate, Huntsman would resign as governor and fellow Republican Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert would replace him.

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