Trump Pins Hopes On ‘China Hawk’ David Perdue As New Envoy Ahead Of Geneva Trade Talks

President Donald Trump expressed confidence in David Perdue’s ability to manage the increasingly complex U.S.-China relationship, as the former Georgia Senator was sworn in as the new ambassador to China on Wednesday, ahead of crucial trade talks.

Trump, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, said, "What timing ... what timing, only you could’ve picked this timing," referring to the upcoming negotiations in Geneva.

"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," the president said, according to a CNBC report.

Perdue takes office as the U.S. and China remain locked in a trade war, with tariffs on some products as high as 145%. 

Talks between U.S. and Chinese officials are scheduled for May 9-10 in Geneva, the first such discussions since the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports in April. 

Despite ongoing diplomatic assurances from Washington, Beijing has denied engaging in any formal negotiations over the tariffs.

Trump, reaffirming his hardline stance, has made clear he will not consider lifting tariffs to restart talks, leaving questions over the potential for a breakthrough at the upcoming meetings. 

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to meet their Chinese counterparts this weekend, aiming to address a range of economic issues.

Perdue, a long-time critic of Beijing, inherits the diplomatic post at a time when U.S.-China relations are at a critical juncture. 

The Senate confirmed his appointment with a 67-29 vote on Tuesday. In his confirmation hearings, Perdue emphasized the need for a "nuanced, non-partisan and strategic" approach to China. 

His stance mirrors the broader U.S. strategy under Trump, which has focused on countering China’s growing economic and military influence.

While Perdue’s appointment signals continuity in U.S. policy, his relationship with China remains a point of contention. 

As a former senator, Perdue was labeled as “anti-China” by Chinese analysts, and he has previously advocated for a stronger U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. 

In a 2020 essay, he accused Chinese President Xi Jinping of trying to "destroy capitalism and democracy."

The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), which tracks the S&P 500, and the Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ), which tracks the Nasdaq Composite, both rose about 0.4% on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA) gained 0.7%.

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