United States President-elect Donald Trump is filling his incoming administration with figures known for their hawkish views on China, signalling a tough line on Beijing in areas ranging from national security to trade.

Trump on Tuesday nominated former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to head the Central Intelligence Agency, FOX News host and army veteran Pete Hegseth as secretary of defence, and Florida Congressman Michael Waltz as national security adviser.

On Monday, the president-elect named Elise Stefanik, a House representative from New York, as his pick for United Nations ambassador.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, meanwhile, is widely expected to be tapped for secretary of state.

All five are known for viewing the US and China as being locked in a Manichean struggle for power and advocating a hard line towards Beijing.