December 8, 2016

"US President-elect Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he would appoint Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as the next US ambassador to China. Trump said Branstad's long-time relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders make him the 'ideal choice' for the post.

Branstad received Xi in 1985 and 2012, and visited China several times as governor. He was referred to as an 'old friend' of China by the Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday. His nomination at this time has indicated a lot.

Trump's recent phone call with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and tweets about the South China Sea issue have aroused concerns about possible volatility in China-US relations after he is sworn in. He has met much opposition and criticism within the US and also in China. A dim outlook on bilateral ties casts a shadow on both countries. But this is eased somewhat by the Branstad nomination."

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http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1022716.shtml 

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