Jon Huntsman, Jr. -- Hey Sony, You Owe America 'The Interview'

Former U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Hunstman, Jr. isn't scared of North Korea and doesn't think Sony should be either ... and he thinks Sony screwed up by shelving 'The Interview.'

Our D.C. photog felt Hunstman was the perfect person to ask, since he's North Korea adjacent, having served as U.S. Ambassador to both Singapore and China.

The former presidential hopeful had some friendly advice for Sony: Don't let anybody stand in the way of what you do best ... making movies.