Photo credit: thehill.com
Senate Confirms David Perdue as U.S. Ambassador to China
On Tuesday, the Senate successfully confirmed former Senator David Perdue (R-Ga.) to serve as the ambassador to China, a critical role as the U.S. navigates complex trade issues with Beijing.
The Senate voted 67 to 29 in favor of Perdue, who previously held a single term in the Senate and narrowly lost to Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in 2020.
This confirmation is particularly timely as the administration continues to engage in a trade conflict with China. President Trump has enforced a hefty 145 percent tariff on imports from China, marking the most extensive tariff imposition against any country under his trade agenda. In retaliation, China has instituted a 125 percent tariff on various U.S. goods.
Despite President Trump’s assertions of a strong rapport with Chinese President Xi Jinping, there has been minimal progress in negotiations.
“Nothing. No update,” stated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to reporters when questioned about any developments regarding trade discussions on Capitol Hill on Monday.
In his confirmation hearing, Perdue sought to enhance his credentials related to China, asserting that Beijing is engaged in “a new kind of war” against the United States. He emphasized that “Marxist nationalism is reshaping China, and their global ambitions threaten the current world order.”
This perspective starkly contrasts his previous stance during his Senate tenure, where he had expressed concern regarding China’s policies in Hong Kong and advocated for a more calibrated tariff strategy during Trump’s initial term.
Perdue also brings to the role significant private sector experience with China, providing insight into the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China relations.
His confirmation marks the beginning of several upcoming ambassadorial confirmations, with senators poised to confirm Warren Stephens as ambassador to Great Britain and Northern Ireland later on Tuesday. Discussions surrounding potential confirmations for businessmen Tom Barrack and Tilman Fertitta as ambassadors to Turkey and Italy, respectively, are also on the horizon.
Source
thehill.com