The grandson of the late former President Richard Nixon appears to be a likely appointment to the Trump administration during its trade dispute with China.

Bloomberg News reported Thursday that Christopher Nixon Cox, co-founder of OC Global Partners LLC, will likely join the White House National Economic Counsel, specifically taking over the group's China portfolio according to two sources familiar with the discussions.

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Cox lives in New York according to Bloomberg, where he advises American companies on expanding into new emerging markets, including China's historically restrictive economy according to a 2016 article on the Richard Nixon Foundation's website.

One person familiar with the White House discussions told Bloomberg that Cox's vetting was ongoing, and no official decision has been made yet to bring the 39-year-old into the administration.

Cox's decision to join the Trump administration would come as the U.S. and China have faced an escalating trade dispute for months, with both nations passing billions of dollars worth of tariffs and reciprocal measures.

President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE said late last month in an interview with Fox News that the U.S. has "no choice" but to confront China on what the U.S. deems unfair and illegal trade practices.

“It’s time to take a stand on China,” Trump said. “We have no choice. It’s been a long time. They’re hurting us.”

Chinese officials have shown no sign of backing down in the face of massive U.S. tariffs, and are refusing to negotiate with the U.S. until the Trump administration withdraws pressure on the country.

"Nothing the U.S. has done has given any impression of sincerity and goodwill," one Chinese official said in an interview last month.

“We hope that the U.S. side will take measures to correct its mistakes.”