Washington, DC – Foreign Policy for America is pleased by the appointment of Ambassador Nicholas Burns as President Biden’s choice to be U.S. Ambassador to China. Ambassador Burns is one of our nation’s most experienced diplomats, with a 27-year Foreign Service career, having served as Ambassador to both NATO and Greece, and as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. He’s also been the State Department Spokesperson and spent time on the National Security Council, under both Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. He has served as a member of the Foreign Policy for America advisory board since 2017.
As Secretary of State Blinken explained in his first press conference, “the relationship between the United States and China is arguably the most important relationship that we have in the world.” It is a complex relationship, requiring confidence in U.S. and Allied interests and strengths as a base for more effective economic and political competition, forthright pushback on China when necessary, and cooperation in areas of vital – even existential – common interest such as climate change and non-proliferation. Strong diplomatic leadership will be essential to achieve American interests and defend our values.
“Ambassador Burns is an outstanding choice for this critically important role,” said Foreign Policy for America Executive Director Andrew Albertson. “The Senate should move urgently to confirm him so that he can immediately go to work.”
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