President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to be the next U.S. ambassador to China, a transition official confirmed Wednesday.
Transition spokesman Jason Miller said Mr. Branstad has accepted the offer to serve in the post. The U.S. Senate has to confirm the nomination.
Mr. Miller said Mr. Branstad has a great grasp of trade and agriculture issues, as well as a tremendous understanding of China. The longtime Republican governor is a friend of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“It’s very clear that Governor Branstad is someone who will represent our country well on the world stage,” Mr. Miller said on a conference call with reporters.
Mr. Trump is scheduled to hold an event in Iowa on Thursday as part of a post-election “thank you” tour.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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