United States Ambassador to China Terry Branstad. (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

The announcement comes amid increasing tensions between the US and China. In a Twitter post early Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thanked Branstad for his service as the US Ambassador. Pompeo didn’t give a reason for Branstad’s departure, or any announcement about a potential successor for the important diplomatic post.

Branstad was one of then-President-elect Trump’s first ambassadorial picks in December 2016, shortly after Trump won the US Presidential election. He was chosen for his experience in public policies, trade and agriculture.