Ambassador Chase Untermeyer discusses his diplomatic work in Asia and reflects upon his service under President George H. W. Bush. His experience in Asia began during the Vietnam War, during which he served as an officer in the United States Navy aboard a destroyer in the Western Pacific and as aide to the commander of U.S. naval forces in the Philippines.

In 1977, Untermeyer joined a delegation which included notable figures such as George and Barbara Bush, James Baker and the CEO of Pennzoil among others on a trip to China, including Tibet, as guests of the Chinese government. The delegation was only the second group of Americans to visit Tibet following the Chinese takeover. The trip also proved memorable as President Bush was able to reunite with old friend Deng Xiaoping who had just come to power in China.