DONALD Trump’s pick for the next US Ambassador to Australia is reportedly being reassigned to South Korea.

The move is an embarrassing blow for the Turnbull Government, given the role of US Ambassador has already been vacant for more than 18 months.

Admiral Harry Harris, the current head of US Pacific Command and an outspoken critic of China’s military expansion, had been nominated to be the US’s next top diplomat in Canberra.

His appointment was welcomed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in February, despite concerns his hawkish rhetoric on China could prove difficult for Australia/China relations.

The Washington Post reports Admiral Harris is now being reassigned to fill the role of US Ambassador to South Korea.

Admiral Harris’ posting to Canberra was due to be confirmed at a nomination hearing on Wednesday but was postponed at the last minute.

His appointment to South Korea comes ahead of President Trump’s historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-in to discuss the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

A replacement for Canberra has yet to be announced.

AUSTRALIAN REACTION
Speaking to Sky News, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was informed of the move yesterday by the acting US Secretary of State, John Sullivan.

“We understand this sort of thing happens and we understand the issues the US have on the Korean peninsula, and we are sure they will choose a very appropriate ambassador in due course,” she said.

Ms Bishop said she expected the appointment of an ambassador to Australia “would be a priority for the new Secretary of State” and she hoped to discuss the issue with the man likely to fill that role, Mike Pompeo, “as soon as possible”.

Asked about Washington’s delay in filling the post, Ms Bishop said there had been other times when there had been a delay, so the current gap was “not unusual”.

Labor’s Defence spokesman Richard Marles played down the significance of the move.

“The sooner we get an ambassador the better, but I don’t think anyone’s taking offence,” he said.

“(Acting US ambassador to Australia) Jim Caruso is a really good diplomat and is doing a fine job,” he said.

MOVE WAS POMPEO’S IDEA
A US source with knowledge of the situation said President Trump’s nominee to be secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, had asked Admiral Harris to take the post in Seoul, which has been vacant since Mr Trump took office in January last year.

Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity.

There was no immediate comment from the White House.