Page 11 - The South China Business Journal

President Trump: But now for the real reason,
and a reason I’m very proud of because he’s
been my friend for a long time. 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. I picked him a long
time ago, but it’s just happened to come due on a
pretty important date. But our friend David Perdue,
Senator David Perdue. Joining David this afternoon
are his incredible wife Bonnie whose been at his
side for a long time. Their sons David and Blake,
their daughter-in-law Danielle and daughter-in-law
Charlotte, and their grandsons David, Hudson, and
Jack. That’s a beautiful family. Congratulations. I
didn’t think you had it in you David. That’s really
something that’s pretty amazing. Look at that.
Our new ambassador brings to this position a
lifetime of experience at the highest levels of
business and politics, and he is at the highest level. big as it gets, and the timing is unbelievable, but
Over four decades in business, he rose to lead it’s time that we have somebody like this. This is a
several major American corporations, including very, very extraordinary man. And you’re going to
as the president and CEO of the footwear giant do a fantastic job. And say ‘hello’ to President Xi
Reebok where he did very well, he did a great job. when you’re over there please, ok? Thank you very
And later CEO of Dollar General likewise, he did a much. Marco, would you do the service? Thank you.
great job. David also lived and worked in Singapore
and Hong Kong for several years, developing Secretary Rubio [administers the oath to David
a wealth of experience negotiating and doing Perdue]: Raise your right hand.
tremendous business deals for lots of different
leaders that he worked with. Ambassador David Perdue: I, David Perdue,
do solemnly swear that I will support and defend
Following his tremendous business success as an the Constitution of the United States against all
executive, David stepped forward to serve America enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true
in government and as we all know, in 2014, he was faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this
elected to the United States Senate in Georgia, obligation freely, without any mental reservation
and he was very popular, very respected from day or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and
one. He served on the Senate Foreign Relations faithfully discharge the duties of the of昀椀ce on which
Committee and was a tremendous partner to our I am about to enter. So help me God.
administration during my 昀椀rst term. I dealt with him
a lot and he solved a lot of problems. President Trump: David, would you like to
say something?
Now I’m entrusting David to help manage one of
America’s most complex and consequential foreign Ambassador Perdue: Mr. President, I’m humbled
relationships and I know he’ll do a fantastic job. to be in this of昀椀ce today. I love what you’ve
As our lead diplomat in Beijing, David will work to done with this of昀椀ce. I like the Declaration of
promote American interests and stability in the Independence. I want the world to know that I
Indo-Paci昀椀c, which we have to do. Seek fairness know this man personally. He loves this country,
and reciprocity for the American worker, ensure the and I am glad to be your man in China. Thank you.
safety of our citizens overseas, and promote peace
in the region and in the world. President Trump: I think just for the sake
of formality, here we go David. Come on up
And I’m con昀椀dent that he will do an exceptional here, Bonnie. And now we send you on your
job, he’s an exceptional man, and make our country way. Lots of luck. We’re right behind you David.
very proud and make our country very safe, too. Okay, have a good time. Congratulations,
So, David, I want to congratulate you. This is as everybody. Congratulations.

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