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David Perdue Begins Tenure as U.S. Ambassador to China Following Tariff Truce

Perdue arrives in Beijing tasked with cementing reduced tariffs and addressing fentanyl precursor flows as U.S.-China relations seek stability.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new U.S. ambassador to China, former U.S. Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with former U.S. Senator David Perdue during Perdue's swearing-in ceremony to be the new U.S. ambassador to China, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo
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David Perdue and Secretary of State Marco Rubio listen as President Donald Trump speaks before Perdue was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to China during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Overview

  • David Perdue, former senator and business executive, has officially assumed his role as U.S. Ambassador to China, landing in Beijing on Thursday.
  • His arrival follows a Geneva agreement that temporarily reduced U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and China's tariffs on U.S. imports from 125% to 10%.
  • Perdue's priorities include solidifying the tariff reductions and persuading China to halt the export of fentanyl precursor chemicals to the U.S., which remain tied to 20% of existing tariffs.
  • Known for his close ties to President Trump, Perdue is expected to leverage this relationship to build credibility with Chinese officials during negotiations.
  • Perdue’s appointment reflects a strategic shift, transitioning from a career diplomat to a politically aligned envoy with a background in global trade and a hawkish stance on China.