Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, a longtime friend of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is the front-runner for the crucial post of U.S. ambassador to China.
A decision may follow meetings between Branstad and members of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team in New York in the coming week, said three people with knowledge of the matter.
The potential move to name Branstad comes at a time of heightened tensions with China after Trump abandoned almost four decades of diplomatic protocol on Friday by speaking directly with the leader of Taiwan, which Beijing considers a rogue province. Trump hasn't named his choice for secretary of state, the top U.S. diplomatic post.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.