Pete Buttigieg reportedly being lined up as Biden's US ambassador to China

The Afghanistan war veteran was an early rival to Joe Biden during his run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

By Chris Robertson, news reporter

Wednesday 9 December 2020 10:44, UK

WESTERVILLE, OHIO - OCTOBER 15: South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Joe Biden shake hands after the Democratic Presidential Debate at Otterbein University on October 15, 2019 in Westerville, Ohio. A record 12 presidential hopefuls are participating in the debate hosted by CNN and The New York Times. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Image: The former South Bend mayor dropped out of the presidential race to support Joe Biden
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Pete Buttigieg, an early candidate for the 2020 US election, is reportedly being tapped to head to Beijing as the country's ambassador to China.

Mr Buttigieg, who saw early successes in the US presidential race during the Democratic primaries, is considered a rising star in US politics and the high profile move is seen as a way for him to bolster his foreign policy credentials.

Axios reports that Mr Buttigieg was overlooked for the role of ambassador to the United Nations (UN), with sources telling the site he could be on his way to Beijing instead.

DECORAH, IOWA - JANUARY 30: Democratic presidential candidate former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaks at a meet the candidate event at January 30, 2020 in Decorah, Iowa. Iowa holds the state's caucuses in four days on February 3. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Image: Pete Buttigieg is reportedly being tapped up for a move to the US embassy in Beijing

It is thought that the Biden administration sees the Afghanistan veteran as a future president, and offering him the job in Beijing gives China a chance to get to know him.

If confirmed by Mr Biden and a subsequent Senate hearing, the former South Bend mayor would be the youngest person to ever hold the position, at 39.

However, the job offer is far from confirmed and Mr Buttigieg's name is also associated with some domestic roles, such as transport and commerce, according to Axios.

The country's relationship with China has deteriorated over recent years, with US President Donald Trump blaming it for the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as slapping wide ranging tariffs on its goods.

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Despite winning early contests during the Democratic primaries, Mr Buttigieg, who was the first openly gay person to run for president, pulled out of the race so he could support Joe Biden.

Since then, he has been one of the most vocal anti-Trump politicians in his party, setting him in favour with the president-elect.

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He also helped Kamala Harris to prepare for her debate with the current vice president, Mike Pence, using his knowledge of Mr Pence's record as the former governor of Indiana.

Previously, Joe Biden has heaped praise on the former mayor, saying: "I don't think I've ever done this before, but he reminds me of my son Beau.

"I know that may not mean much to most people, but, to me, it's the highest compliment I can give any man or woman."

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