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AFP
New York
President-elect Donald Trump has picked Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, who has long-standing ties to China's president, to serve as ambassador to Beijing, a spokesman confirmed Wednesday.
Trump announced his selection of Branstad - an early supporter of the Republican billionaire during his campaign - at a fund raising breakfast in New York on Wednesday, Jason Miller told reporters.
The transition team said the governor had accepted the position, chosen for his experience in public policy, expertise on trade issues and 'tremendous understanding of China and Chinese people.' Branstad has 'considerable public policy experience,' a 'great grasp' of trade and agriculture issues, and 'very much impressed the president-elect,' Miller told reporters.
"It is very clear that Governor Branstad is someone who will represent our country well on the world stage and we couldn't be prouder of this selection," he added.
Bloomberg first reported news of the nomination Tuesday evening, citing anonymous people close to the matter.
The Iowa governor had met with the Republican billionaire earlier on Tuesday at Trump Tower in New York.
