Washington confirms new Beijing envoy

Former Republican senator gets role at crucial time in Sino-US relations

Former US senator David Perdue was on Tuesday confirmed by the Senate as the 14th US ambassador to Beijing, which comes at a critical time in the relations between the two countries, especially on the economic front.

Perdue, 75, a Republican from Georgia, received mostly partisan support, with 51 Republicans, 15 Democrats, and one independent voting for him. Twenty-eight Democrats and one independent voted against.

The confirmation of Trump's ally came at a critical juncture in US-China relations, marked by escalating trade tensions. It also coincided with the 100th day of Trump's second term.