Trump’s China Ambassador Sworn In Ahead of Critical Switzerland Talks
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to China, former Republican Senator David Perdue, was officially sworn in Wednesday.
- The ceremony comes just days before pivotal diplomatic talks between Washington and Beijing, the first since Trump announced sweeping 145% tariffs.
- “Only you could’ve picked this timing,” Trump joked during the White House ceremony, referring to the tense backdrop of escalating trade tensions.
The United States and China have been locked in a tit-for-tat trade war since April 2, causing significant economic uncertainty in the U.S. As newly appointed ambassador, Perdue steps into the role at a critical juncture in U.S.-China relations.
“I’m entrusting David to help manage one of America’s most complex and consequential foreign relationships, and I know he’ll do a fantastic job,” Trump said. The president also added, “Say hello to [Chinese President Xi Jinping] when you’re over there, please.”
Perdue’s diplomatic appointment precedes high-stakes meetings scheduled in Geneva this weekend. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will lead the American delegation in talks with Chinese officials.
With Wall Street and Main Street both watching closely, the upcoming negotiations are widely viewed as a potential turning point in the escalating trade standoff.
“I’m glad to be your man in China,” Perdue said during the Oval Office ceremony.
President Trump reaffirmed on Wednesday that he would not roll back tariffs as a precondition for talks, fueling doubts over the likelihood of any major breakthroughs in Geneva.
Source: F.M.I.E News