TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US State Department has appointed Joshua Young as head of its Office of China Coordination.

Young will also serve as the deputy assistant secretary for China and Taiwan, Nikkei Asia reported. “It's clear the department is looking to elevate its focus on China," according to a state department official.

Young will formulate China policy and work closely with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, the official said. 

His addition will help expedite orders from the White House, they added.

Young previously served as the deputy assistant secretary for international security policy, per Nikkei. His new role comes as Trump has expressed a desire to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.