Biden’s trade rep nominee vows to work with allies

President Joe Biden’s pick to be U.S. trade representative is promising to work with America’s allies to combat China’s aggressive trade policies, indicating a break from the Trump administration’s go-it-alone approach.

Katherine Tai appeared Thursday before the Senate Finance Committee. She told senators that rebuilding international alliances would be a priority, as well as "reengaging with international institutions″ to present Beijing with “a united front of U.S. allies.″

Tai did not address whether the Biden administration would drop President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported steel and aluminium or say whether it would revive former President Barack Obama’s Asia-Pacific trade deal, which Trump killed.

Tai opened her remarks by telling lawmakers that serving as U.S. trade representative would be the honour of her life and that the opportunity holds "special resonance" for her as the daughter of immigrants.

Tai's parents were born in mainland China and grew up in Taiwan.