Mandelson’s China stance makes him bad choice for US ambassador, say critics

Peter Mandelson has spoken up in favour of thawing relations with China, which soured under successive Tory leaders over security and hacking concerns. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

Peter Mandelson’s position as the frontrunner to be British ambassador to the US has been questioned after it emerged he criticised Donald Trump for being a “bully” and too hostile towards China on trade policy.

Critics of Beijing raised concerns over the suitability of the Labour peer to take on the job given his repeated defence of engagement with China, while Trump’s administration is hawkish towards the rival trading power.