Sino-US ties will need more than a friendly messenger

Upon appointing Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, whom Beijing warmly embraces as "an old friend", as US ambassador to China, United States president-elect Donald Trump highlighted the latter's "long-time relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping", which he believes will be conducive to a "mutually beneficial relationship".

With his longstanding relations with China and its present leader, as well as his famous conviction to free trade, Branstad's appointment, once it gets US Senate approval, will no doubt serve both countries well.

He will prove a privileged, effective messenger for handling the upcoming uncertainties in bilateral ties, particularly in trade.