'Old friend' Branstad is welcome as next ambassador, says Beijing

Beijing signaled its welcome to the expected new US ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, whom policy experts described as a good messenger.

The nomination is believed to be a positive sign by US president-elect Donald Trump amid a recent row raised by Trump's phone call with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen.

Branstad, the governor of Iowa, accepted Trump's invitation to be the next US top envoy to China on Wednesday.