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Summary
- Katherine Tai is Joe Biden’s nominee for the next US Trade Representative.
- Tai has a vast experience along with an extensive knowledge of trade policies with China, specifically when it comes to the abuse of trade power.
After the electoral college officially confirmed Joe Biden as the 46th American President, Mr Biden nominated Katherine Tai to be the next Trade Representative for the US on 10 December.
However, the final decision is yet to be verified by the US Senate.
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Mr Biden announced that the US would confront Chinese misuse of trade power strongly, where Ms Tai will be the primary spokesperson between the two parties.
If appointed to the role within the cabinet, Ms Tai will be the first Asian woman, and the woman of colour to serve the trade representative position.
Image Source: Shutterstock
What is Ms Tai’s previous experience?
The 45-year-old Ms Tai’s most significant expertise lays in US trade policies, having worked in favour of American families and workers.
Ms Tai is currently serving as the chief trade counsel role on the House of Representative’s Ways and Means Committee.
She also worked for the US Trade Representative Office between 2007 and 2014.
Ms Tai’s most significant job success was between 2011 and 2014 when she fought against Chinese unfair trade activities. During this period, she played a momentous role in uniting trade partners to strengthen the case against China at the World Trade Organisation (the WTO)
Mr Biden is optimistic that Ms Tai will recognise the importance of the US-China trade relationship and will chart out a more streamlined communication strategy with the Asian country.
If confirmed for the role, Ms Tai will work closely with Biden’s economy, national security, and foreign policy team.
Image Source: Shutterstock
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What is Ms Tai’s family background?
Ms Tai was born to Chinese immigrants, who grew up in Taiwan. In the ‘60s, the couple emigrated to the US to obtain a university education.
Ms Tai’s father worked for the US army as a health researcher where he helped American soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War. Her mother continues to work as a health scientist, trying to fight the ongoing opioid crisis in the US.
Tai’s parents became American citizens in 1979. Ms Tai was born five years earlier, becoming the first American in the family.
Ms Tai is a Yale and Harvard alumna. She actively speaks English and Mandarin, and also taught English in China in the late ‘90s.
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How is Ms Tai expected to fight unfair Chinese behaviour?
Experts believe that Ms Tai will take a unique approach to combat Chinese trade unfairness. Unlike Mr Trump’s administration, Ms Tai is likely to consult with other partners before making final judgments.
Professionals added that Ms Tai might be instrumental in decreasing the US dependence on Chinese imports.
