File photo of former Utah governor Jon Huntsman. [Photo/VCG]

Huntsman, who served as former President Barack Obama's ambassador to China, was offered the position earlier this week. Huntsman will submit paperwork to accept the role, according to Politico.

Earlier this month there were reports that Huntsman was in talks to serve as the deputy secretary of state.

Huntsman served as ambassador to Singapore under President George H.W. Bush and then to China under President Barack Obama.

He was an outspoken critic of US President Donald Trump during last year's campaign.

Huntsman did not respond to a request from for comment, Politico said.