If Branstad’s appointment is confirmed it may help to ease trade tensions between the two countries, the world’s two biggest agricultural producers, diplomats and trade experts said.
Branstad called Chinese President Xi Jinping a “long-time friend” when Xi visited Iowa in February 2012, only nine months before he became the Chinese leader.
It suggests that Trump may be ready to take a less combative stance towards the world’s second-largest economy than many expected, trade experts and diplomats said…
“This really sends a message that Donald Trump wants to handle China at the bilateral relationship level,” he said.
Branstad’s personal ties with Xi could also help to ease U.S. access to Beijing’s leadership, the diplomats and trade experts said.
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