Engagement helps navigate turbulent waters

The US Senate's confirmation of former Republican senator David Perdue as ambassador to China in April came just as the United States and China were locked in a tariff showdown that threatened to redefine diplomatic relations between the world's two largest economies.

No wonder Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch said ahead of the congressional vote for Perdue's nomination for the post that it was "certainly one of the most important appointments that will come across this floor".

Well aware of the importance of the role he assumes as the US' top envoy in China, Perdue in his congressional hearing called the relationship with China the "most consequential diplomatic challenge of the 21st century".