US President Donald Trump has nominated Michael DeSombre, a former ambassador to Thailand, as his top diplomat for Asian affairs – a move that is expected to be welcomed in Beijing.
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Trump said on Tuesday he had selected DeSombre to be assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific, an appointment that will require confirmation by the Senate.
DeSombre, who spent two decades in Hong Kong as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer, “did a great job” as the ambassador to Bangkok, Trump wrote on social media.
He added: “I know Michael will work incredibly hard for our country. Congratulations Michael!”
DeSombre thanked Trump for the nomination, saying he was “honoured”.
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If confirmed he will take charge of Washington’s foreign policy for East Asia and will oversee the Office of China Coordination.
The office, informally known as China House, was established in December 2022 as the centrepiece of the previous administration’s diplomatic strategy in the global rivalry with China.