Pivotal trade talks with Beijing loom as Trump swears in new US ambassador to China: 'What timing'

Former Georgia Republican Sen. David Perdue was sworn in as U.S. ambassador to China Wednesday, with President Donald Trump remarking on the timing of the ceremony as trade talks between the two nations are set to kick off. 

"We're swearing in our next ambassador to the People's Republic of China. What timing, David. What timing? Only you could have picked this timing," Trump quipped as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepared to swear Perdue in. 

The Senate confirmed Perdue April 29 in a 67–29 vote. His swearing-in ceremony comes as China and the U.S. are set to begin trade talks following Trump's tariffs on the nation in recent months. 

"Our new ambassador brings to this...