The nomination of Susan Thornton to be assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs has run into problems and could end up being pulled, The Washington Free Beacon is reporting.
Thornton, was nominated for the post six months ago, but her confirmation remains stalled in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
She currently serves as acting assistant secretary and has been involved in the details for the upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to the Free Beacon.
However, her conciliatory position on U.S. policy toward China has made her the target of criticism, the Free Beacon noted.
"During the confirmation hearing and in written answers, the current nominee obfuscated or evaded when answering important questions about her troubling record of undermining America's allies like Taiwan, failing to stand up to China's efforts to impose its authoritarian will beyond its borders, including in the United States, downplaying human rights abuses in China, and favoring smooth relations with Beijing over a bilateral relationship grounded in reciprocity and reality," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. told the Free Beacon.
"I am hopeful the secretary of state will ask the president to nominate a better candidate," he added.
Politico said Thornton's nomination is expected to be withdrawn. It said her appointment has run into opposition from some White House officials because of her views toward China.
One senior White House official said action is expected soon on Thornton's nomination, but would not provide details, the Free Beacon reported. But another administration official said Thornton remains the president's nominee.
However, other unnamed officials told the Beacon the White House is considering naming a replacement for her nomination.
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