Top 10 Gazette stories of the year: #5 Gov. Branstad to China

Among the long list of appointments President-elect Donald Trump has made, one made major waves in Iowa. The longest-serving Governor in Iowa state history, Terry Branstad, has been selected by Trump to serve as Ambassador to China.

Since Trump's Nov. 8 election victory, political observers and reporters had speculated Trump may offer the post to Branstad, who was a strong supporter of Trump during the general election and has a longtime working friendship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump spoke highly of Gov. Branstad during a campaign stop in Sioux City, right before the election.

'Terry came to my office and he was talking to me about trade, and I think there's nobody who knows more about trade than him,' Trump told the crowd in Sioux City the Sunday before the election. '(Branstad) would be a prime candidate to take care of China. He has done so well for the people of Iowa. Nobody knows it better.'

Branstad and Trump have appeared together following the announcement during Trump's victory tour.

The appointment still needs to be confirmed by the United States Senate.

Dec. 9 - On Iowa Politics Podcast about Branstad to China

Dec. 7 - Branstad to become ambassador to China

Dec. 7 - Trump: Branstad 'ideal' choice for China post

Dec. 6 - Opinion: The 'Stache watch is on, will Branstad go to China?

Dec. 5 - Speculation grows on Branstad as China ambassador