WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump is swearing in David Perdue as the Ambassador to the People's Republic of China on Wednesday.

The president is holding the swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office as the U.S. and China remain in a trade war threatening relations.

Last Tuesday, Perdue was confirmed by the Senate. During the confirmation hearing, Perdue called the U.S. relationship with China the “most consequential diplomatic challenge of the 21st century.”

Our approach to China should be nuanced, nonpartisan and strategic,” Perdue said.

Perdue, a former Georgia Senator, lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a 2022 primary against Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

Announcing the pick in December, Trump said Perdue "will be instrumental in implementing my strategy to maintain Peace in the region, and a productive working relationship with China’s leaders."

______________

The Associated Press contributed to this report.