Trump swears in new US ambassador to China as pivotal trade talks with Beijing loom

Former Georgia Republican Senator David Perdue was officially sworn in as the U.S. ambassador to China on Wednesday, with President Donald Trump joking about the timing of the ceremony coinciding with upcoming trade talks between the two nations. Trump quipped, “We’re swearing in our next ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. What timing, David. What timing? Only you could have picked this timing,” as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepared to swear Perdue in.

Perdue’s confirmation by the Senate on April 29 in a 67-29 vote comes at a crucial moment as the U.S. and China are gearing up for trade negotiations following the imposition of tariffs by Trump on Chinese goods in recent months. Trump highlighted Perdue’s extensive experience in business and politics, noting his leadership roles in major American corporations such as Reebok and Dollar General, as well as his time spent working in Singapore and Hong Kong.

In a meeting at the White House, Trump encouraged Perdue to convey his greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive relations between the two countries. The Trump administration has been aggressive in its approach to trade with China, imposing tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods in an effort to address the trade deficit.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to meet with Chinese officials in Switzerland over the weekend to discuss economic matters. Bessent expressed the desire for fair trade between the two nations, stating that the current tariff levels are unsustainable and equivalent to an embargo.

China’s Ministry of Commerce has acknowledged an offer from the U.S. to hold talks on the tariffs, signaling a potential willingness to engage in negotiations. Trump has previously expressed a willingness to engage in trade discussions with China, indicating that the U.S. is waiting for China to initiate the conversation.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Trump highlighted Perdue’s role in combatting the flow of synthetic opioid fentanyl into the U.S., a key issue for the administration. Trump emphasized the importance of stopping the illegal drugs from entering the country, leveraging tariffs on China to address the issue.

Overall, Perdue’s appointment as ambassador to China comes at a critical juncture in U.S.-China relations, with trade negotiations and efforts to combat the opioid crisis at the forefront of the agenda. The Trump administration remains committed to addressing these issues through diplomatic channels and constructive dialogue with Chinese counterparts.