Beijing (TDI): “… ready to get to work here and make America safer” were the first words of David Perdue, the United States’ New Ambassador to China; the one perceived by Beijing as a “China critic.”
His appointment was confirmed on Tuesday when Senate voted in favor with a 67-29 outcome. Perdue, 75, is a former senator from Georgia and a veteran business executive.
Turns down, China’s speculations about the new ambassador are not wholly unfounded, since he largely views China as a threat to US’ interests.
I arrived in Beijing today. It is an honor to represent President Trump as the U.S. Ambassador to China. I am ready to get to work here and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. pic.twitter.com/SDPzTkhSZt
— U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue (@USAmbChina) May 15, 2025
For some context, Perdue has landed in Beijing right when the US and China are still walking risky waters, after the tariff slash agreement brought some relief to Global Stock Markets.
With some business experience in Asia, it makes sense why Trump nominated Perdue in the first place. But Perdue’s overall hawkish leaning signals the US does not exactly eye friendly ties with Beijing.
“I arrived in Beijing today. It is an honor to represent President Trump as the U.S. Ambassador to China. I am ready to get to work here and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” Perdue posted on X with a picture in front of the US Embassy.
Read More: US, China Agree to Slash Tariffs by 115% for 90 Days
Perdue called Chinese President Xi Jinping a “modern-day emperor” and accused China of seeking to “destroy capitalism and democracy,” in an essay he penned last year.
However, during a confirmation hearing earlier this month, Perdue was of the view that the US must take a “nuanced, non-partisan and strategic” view towards China.
Perdue’s predecessor, Nicholas Burns, resigned in January after Trump took office as the President. Burns was a career diplomat with decades of experience in the State Department.
He represented Biden administration’s interest in China and was one among the scores of senior career diplomats who were asked to resign as the Trump administration took charge.
Nuzhat Rana is the Managing Editor (website) at The Diplomatic Insight.
