Page 11 - The South China Business Journal
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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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