Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is stepping down as Ambassador to China. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced his departure in Twitter, but has not given a reason for Branstad's departure.
Pompeo said President Trump had chosen Branstad “because his decades long experience with China made him the best person to represent the Administration."
CNN is reporting Branstad is expected to leave Beijing before the November US Presidential election.
Relations between the U.S. and China have deteriorated in recent years over a trade war and other disagreements.
The Chinese government announced Friday it will impose unspecified restrictions on senior U.S. diplomats inside China after Washington put similar measures in place earlier this month.