Former Governor Terry Branstad recently weighed in on his tenure as Ambassador to China during the Trump administration, addressing concerns over the handling of the 2020 election and the Capitol attack on January 6th. In an interview, Branstad expressed his disagreement with the events that transpired on that day, but emphasized the importance of considering the overall record and accomplishments of the administration.
Regarding the accusation that former President Donald Trump attempted to overturn the election results, Branstad stated that he did not agree with what happened on January 6th, but believes it has been mischaracterized. He suggested that the events of that day should not detract from the achievements made throughout Trump's presidency.
Branstad, who served as the United States' Ambassador to China, highlighted the positive working relationship he had with President Trump. He mentioned being invited to the Oval Office on multiple occasions to provide updates on relations with China, despite acknowledging that China is a significant global competitor to the US. He also noted that the two leaders had a good relationship until the Chinese government misled the US about the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The former ambassador pointed out that prior to the pandemic, progress had been made in US-China relations, including the signing of the phase one trade agreement. Branstad underscored that this agreement had tangible benefits for American farmers and manufacturers.
However, Branstad expressed his disapproval of President Trump's continuous praise of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He attributed this change in sentiment to China's mishandling of the COVID-19 outbreak, which resulted in a global pandemic. Branstad mentioned that despite attempts to collaborate and offer assistance, the Chinese government did not respond to US efforts to mitigate the situation.
In reflecting on his time as ambassador, Branstad acknowledged the complexities of the US-China relationship, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. He reiterated that while he did not agree with certain aspects of the Trump administration's approach, it is essential to evaluate the complete record rather than focusing solely on specific events.
The interview provided insight into Branstad's perspective on his service under the Trump administration and his assessment of key issues in US-China relations. As the global landscape continues to evolve, the views and experiences of former government officials like Branstad contribute to a broader understanding of diplomatic challenges and opportunities.
