The Associated Press reported that on April 29 local time, the U.S. Senate confirmed former Senator David Perdue as ambassador to China, at a time when the United States and China are engaged in a tariff standoff that may redefine the diplomatic relationship between the world's two largest economies.
Reuters reported that the Senate ultimately passed the bill confirming President Trump's nominee by a vote of 67 to 29. Perdue served as a Republican U.S. Senator from Georgia from 2015 to 2021. He previously lived in Hong Kong for 40 years and worked as an international business executive. Last year, Perdue denounced Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "modern-day emperor" in an article, saying Beijing wants to "destroy capitalism and democracy" and the U.S.-led world order.
The Associated Press reported that during his confirmation hearing this month, the former business executive called the U.S.-China relationship "the most important diplomatic challenge of the 21st century." Perdue said, "Our approach to China should be nuanced, nonpartisan, and strategic." He also said that Washington and Beijing should "seek areas where our interests align to develop a better and more secure working relationship."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun responded to questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of the 30th, saying that China's position on Sino-US relations and economic and trade issues is consistent and clear.
