The U.S. Senate confirmed former Georgia Senator David Perdue as U.S. Ambassador to China by a 67–29 vote, with bipartisan support. Perdue’s nomination comes amid escalating tension between Washington and Beijing, especially over aggressive tariff policies. At his confirmation hearing, he described the U.S.–China relationship as “the most consequential diplomatic challenge of the 21st century,” and pledged a “nuanced, non‑partisan, strategic” approach to bilateral diplomacy.

His appointment also signals a pivot in U.S. trade and foreign policy: earlier in the same period, the Trump administration had imposed tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with rates up to 125%.  Perdue’s business background, including experience in Asia, was seen as an asset in navigating the relationship.

While the Senate has approved his nomination, Perdue must still formally assume the post (e.g. present his credentials in China) before fully taking up ambassadorial duties.  In the eyes of many observers, his confirmation underscores the administration’s emphasis on using diplomacy intertwined with economic leverage in dealing with China.