President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday his decision to appoint former Senator David Perdue as the U.S. ambassador to China, selecting a seasoned politician with extensive business experience to manage a relationship strained by mistrust and trade disputes.
“He will be instrumental in implementing my strategy to maintain peace in the region and foster a productive working relationship with China’s leaders,” Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Set to assume office on January 20, 2025, Trump has pledged to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing takes stronger measures to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, a highly addictive narcotic. During his campaign, Trump also floated the possibility of tariffs exceeding 60% on Chinese imports.
Perdue, a Georgia Republican who served in the Senate from 2015 to 2021, brings to the role a 40-year career as a business executive, including a stint living in Hong Kong. His nomination signals a return to a practice of appointing former politicians to Beijing, following President Joe Biden's 2021 choice of veteran diplomat Nicholas Burns for the post.
Trump’s latest cabinet picks indicate a hardline approach to U.S.-China relations. Senator Marco Rubio, a known critic of Beijing, has been nominated for secretary of state, suggesting that the administration’s China policy will likely extend beyond trade disputes.
During his first term, Trump had selected former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as ambassador to China. Branstad leveraged longstanding relationships with Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, to navigate trade tensions, though the two countries eventually entered a historic trade war.
Analysts suggest the ambassador’s role under Trump’s administration may be less central, with Beijing expected to seek direct engagement with the president and his closest advisers to navigate the anticipated revival of trade tensions.
(Source: DAWN)
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