Trump nominee for Chinese ambassador expected to improve relations

World Today

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A bright spot in the U.S.-China relationship is the proposed U.S. ambassador to China.

In December, President Donald Trump nominated the Governor of the state of Iowa, Terry Branstad, and he continues to promote his choice.

CGTN’s Jessica Stone reports.

Branstad is now the longest serving leader of a U.S. state. His political career has intersected over the years with Chinese President Xi Jinping, going as far back as 1985.

On Monday, President Trump made it clear that he’s counting on Branstad’s history with Xi to keep U.S.-China relations on a stable path. Beijing officials have expressed satisfaction with Branstad as the incoming U.S. ambassador.

Branstad and China’s President Xi Jinping met in Iowa when Xi came on an exchange trip as a local party leader in 1985. In the years since, Xi and Branstad have met at least six times, according to Branstad’s office. He is well-known to the Chinese as “an old friend.”

Branstad has encouraged other governors to visit China.

“It’s largest country in the world. It’s a lot growing economy. It’s a great market for our products. I want to do all I can to try and help the economy of all the states by increasing trade and sales in China,” Branstad said.

It’s unclear what China policy the Trump administration will pursue. Even so, the White House is confident that the new face of American interests in Beijing will be a familiar one.

Before Branstad can become U.S. ambassador to China, he has to be confirmed by members of the U.S. Senate. There’s no date as of late for his hearing, but is expected to occur sometime this spring.


China’s State Councilor holds high-level meeting with President Trump

China’s State Councilor, Yang Jiechi, met with U.S. President Donald Trump and his foreign policy team at the White House on the first day of his two-day visit.

Yang’s visit followed a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Trump, as well as meetings in Europe between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and new U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

CGTN’s Nathan King reports.
Follow Nathan King on Twitter@nathanking