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Former Georgia Senator David Perdue’s nomination to become President Donald Trump’s ambassador to China has successfully passed a Senate cloture vote, effectively concluding debate on the matter.
This vote initiates a limited two-hour debate period before the final vote on Perdue’s nomination takes place, a substantial reduction from the typical 30 hours allocated for Cabinet-level positions.
Perdue, a staunch ally of Trump, previously lost his runoff election in 2021 against Senator Jon Ossoff by a narrow margin of just over 1%, roughly 55,000 votes.
With a background in global supply chains as a former CEO of Dollar General and other organizations, Perdue brings considerable experience to this ambassadorial role.
TRUMP APPOINTS SEN. DAVID PERDUE AS AMBASSADOR TO CHINA
During his confirmation hearing, Perdue stated that “Marxist nationalism” is transforming China and presents serious challenges to the international order.
He highlighted that since 2000, China has significantly expanded its nuclear arsenal and rapidly developed its military capabilities, alongside actions such as militarizing the South China Sea and failing to uphold agreements in Hong Kong. Perdue expressed concerns regarding China’s Social Credit Score system, which he sees as a means to increase domestic state control. He cited the Belt and Road Initiative as evidence of China’s broader aspirations.
Perdue further noted, “They champion a global community defined by their authoritarian principles.”
He defended Trump’s “America First” strategy, asserting that it enhances the U.S.’s standing rather than isolating it, claiming that, “America will be a stronger ally and partner by rebuilding our strategic supply chains at home and with our friends.”
The senator emphasized that Chinese leader Xi Jinping, like Trump, respects strength, pledging that he would pursue mutual benefit and security arrangements with China if confirmed.
On the topic of Taiwan, regarded by China as a breakaway province, Perdue affirmed his support for the One China Policy while advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions that respects both Beijing and Taipei’s positions.
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He also committed to prioritizing efforts to eliminate fentanyl precursors and holding China accountable for human rights violations.
In related developments, the Senate recently confirmed the former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.
Additionally, cloture motions have been filed for three more diplomatic nominees: Tom Barrack, a former Reagan staffer and real estate investor as ambassador to Turkey; Tilman Fertitta, owner of Landry’s Restaurants and the Houston Rockets, as ambassador to Italy and San Marino; and Warren Stephens, an Arkansas investment banker, as ambassador to the United Kingdom.
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