President-elect Donald Trump has named David Perdue, the former US Senator from Georgia, as the next US Ambassador to China.

The announcement was made on Thursday via Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he highlighted Perdue’s important role in the administration's strategy to ensure regional peace and engage constructively with Chinese leadership.

Set to take office on January 20, 2025, Trump has been vocal about his tough stance on China, particularly regarding its trade practices and the fentanyl trafficking crisis.

Throughout his campaign, the President-elect reiterated his commitment to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods unless China takes stronger action to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States, a deadly opioid that has exacerbated the US’s ongoing public health crisis.

“I am proud to announce David Perdue as our Ambassador to China,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “David will work with our Chinese counterparts to resolve the critical issues facing our two nations, including ensuring fairness in trade and combating the opioid epidemic fueled by fentanyl.”

The opioid crisis, which claims tens of thousands of American lives each year, has been largely attributed to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, many of which enter the country through Chinese supply chains. Perdue’s appointment signals the Trump administration’s continued focus on these issues, reflecting an intention to use diplomatic and economic measures to hold China accountable.

The US-China relationship has become increasingly fraught in recent years, with tensions surrounding trade imbalances, intellectual property rights, and national security concerns. The possibility of imposing tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports was floated during Trump’s campaign, underlining his administration’s firm approach to economic relations with Beijing.

Perdue’s experience in both business and politics is expected to play a pivotal role in his new diplomatic role. Before entering the Senate in 2015, Perdue had a distinguished career in the corporate world, working for major companies such as Reebok and Dollar General. His tenure in the Senate was marked by strong support for pro-business policies, and he has been a vocal advocate for more aggressive international trade policies.

“David’s background in international business and his track record in navigating complex financial matters make him uniquely qualified to take on this critical role,” Trump said. “His understanding of the economic and diplomatic challenges we face with China will be invaluable in advancing our national interests.”