Sixteen Democrats joined Republicans Tuesday as the United States Senate confirmed former Georgia Senator David Perdue as the U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. But neither of Georgia’s two current Democratic Senators were among them – as both Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock voted no. The final tally was 67-29.
Reports indicate that Perdue will probably be sworn in quickly, allowing him to officially begin his work negotiating the business and political relationships between the United States and China. The confirmation comes as tensions escalate between Washington and Beijing over tariffs.
“I have no doubt that Ambassador Perdue will successfully implement President Trump’s peace-through-strength agenda and cultivate strategic relationships with China’s diplomats on behalf of the United States,” said Congressman Rick Allen, R-GA. “As a seasoned international business leader, David Perdue is no stranger to the region and will represent this administration and our country with dignity and respect. I congratulate him and look forward to working with him in this new role.”
During his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Perdue described the U.S.-China relationship as the “most consequential diplomatic challenge of the 21st century,” calling for a balanced and forward-looking approach.
He added “Our approach to China should be nuanced, nonpartisan and strategic.”
Trump nominated Perdue for the ambassadorship this past December.
Perdue, a former Fortune 500 CEO, won one of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats in 2014, but lost his reelection bid to Democrat Jon Ossoff in a 2021 runoff. The following year, he unsuccessfully challenged Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in a GOP primary.
Perdue has remained a staunch Trump ally. The President cited Perdue’s background in global business as a key asset in navigating the complex trade and diplomatic landscape between the U.S. and China.
