WASHINGTON (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday his selection of former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia as the ambassador to China. Trump highlighted Perdue's business expertise as crucial for strengthening U.S.-China relations.
Perdue, who lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff and failed in a 2022 primary against Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, was known for supporting Trump's unfounded claims of electoral fraud during his gubernatorial campaign.
"Brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China," said Trump in a social media post about Perdue.
During his Senate tenure, Perdue was labeled "anti-China" by a Chinese think tank report in 2019 due to his advocacy for a stronger U.S. naval force to counter threats from nations including China. Before politics, he held executive roles at companies like Sara Lee, Reebok, and Dollar General.
Economic tensions are expected to be significant under the new administration's dealings with China. Trump has threatened tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China aimed at addressing illegal immigration and drug issues. He proposed imposing a 25% tax on products from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods through executive orders.
"No one will win a trade war or a #tariff war," warned Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington via X platform.
The potential tariffs could increase costs for American consumers across various sectors such as gas and agriculture. The U.S., being the largest importer globally with top suppliers including Mexico, China, and Canada according to recent Census data, faces complex negotiations beyond trade if Perdue is confirmed.
Washington-Beijing differences extend into areas like China's support for Russia amidst its Ukraine conflict involvement, human rights issues, technology disputes, and Taiwan's status—a self-governed democracy claimed by Beijing.
"A stable China-U.S. relationship is critical not only to the two nations but also to humanity's future," emphasized Chinese President Xi Jinping during discussions with outgoing President Joe Biden last month.
The dynamic between Trump and Xi initially seemed positive before souring over trade disagreements and COVID-19 pandemic origins debates. Trump's focus appears fixed on using tariffs as leverage against Beijing concerning fentanyl production linked back through Mexico affecting the United States illicitly.
"Make the wise choice... Keep exploring how major countries can get along well," advised Xi during their meeting alongside an international summit in Peru last November.
Additional Appointments
- Rodney Scott: Nominated head of U.S. Customs & Border Protection; previously led border agency under Trump's first term policies supporting border wall initiatives until removed by Biden administration changes
- Caleb Vitello: Acting Director nomination for Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE); career official within ICE holding senior roles over firearms/tactical programs division recently
- Brandon Judd: Selected ambassadorial role towards Chile; heads Border Patrol Union backing numerous policy endeavors alongside Trump's border visits historically despite some legislative divergences related toward bipartisan immigration reform attempts earlier resisted politically