Overview

• David Perdue officially assumed the role of U.S. ambassador to China on May 7, following Senate confirmation on April 29 with a 67–29 vote.
• Perdue's appointment coincides with upcoming trade talks in Switzerland, where U.S. officials will meet their Chinese counterparts to discuss tariffs and economic relations.
• The Trump administration has imposed tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods, with China retaliating with up to 125% duties on U.S. exports.
• China's Ministry of Commerce is reviewing the U.S. proposal for dialogue but has warned against coercive negotiation tactics.
• President Trump emphasized Perdue's role in addressing the fentanyl crisis by curbing the flow of the synthetic opioid from China into the U.S.