U.S. President Donald Trump has chosen Pacific Command chief Adm. Harry Harris — known for his strident views on China's military expansion and nuclear-armed North Korea — to be the United States' next ambassador to Australia.
The White House announced the move in a statement Friday, calling Harris "a highly decorated, combat proven Naval officer with extensive knowledge, leadership and geo-political expertise in the Indo-Pacific region" and 39 years of experience in the U.S. Navy.
Harris, who was the first Asian-American to achieve the rank of admiral in the U.S. Navy, could play a key role in promoting the Trump administration's strategy for "a free and open Indo-Pacific region" and ensuring a rules-based regional order in partnership with Japan, India and Australia.