Trump taps U.S. Pacific Commander Harris as ambassador to Australia

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

#POLITICS FEBRUARY 9, 2018 / 2:02 PM / UPDATED 3 HOURS AGO

Trump taps U.S. Pacific Commander Harris as ambassador to Australia

Reuters Staff
2 MIN READ

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Friday named U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris, who is known for his hawkish views on China’s military expansion, as his pick to serve as the American ambassador to Australia, the White House said in a statement.

The naval officer has served in the military for 39 years and is in his seventh command assignment as head of the U.S. Pacific Command, according to the White House.

During Harris’ tenure as head of U.S. forces in the Pacific, tensions over North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs increased as President Donald Trump’s administration and Pyongyang exchanged threats.

Harris, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, favors diplomacy in countering North Korea’s missile threat.

Harris is also known for his combative views on Beijing’s South China Sea expansion and a strong supporter of so-called freedom of navigation operations under which U.S. ships and aircraft challenge other countries’ maritime claims.

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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-australia/trump-taps-u-s-pacific-commander-harris-as-ambassador-to-australia-idUSKBN1FT2PA

[TomSlick]

1. An active duty officer?

Is he going to retire? Is there a precedent of appointing an active military officer as an ambassador?

[brush]

2. Silly isn't it. trump thinks top military officers make good diplomats.

Military officers and diplomats' skill sets are exact opposites when you think about it.