Leading up to this week’s trade meetings between U.S. and Chinese officials in Alaska — which could have implications for China’s purchases of U.S. grain moving forward — the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Katharine Tai as the next U.S. Trade Representative. The first Asian-American woman to hold the post since its creation 60 years ago, Tai brings a lot of experience with China to the post, and she made it clear during confirmation hearings that she will be tough on the trading partner in meeting its obligations in the marketplace. Farm state lawmakers and ag groups expressed optimism on future trade prospects with Tai at the USTR helm. During her confirmation process, she netted support from more than 100 ag groups. Moving forward, Tai, who’s successfully argued trade cases against China twice in the last 15 years, says she’s well-aware of “the opportunities and the limitations” of trade with China. See more about Tai and her USTR confirmation.