Actions by Taiwan leader called 'petty'

Beijing sees ulterior motive in Tsai's plan to stop in US on way to Central America

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has been asked to be ambassador to China

China's Foreign Ministry said Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen's planned transit stop in the United States carries "ulterior political intentions", while an expert warned that playing the Taiwan card could be counterproductive.

Asked to comment on Beijing's call for the US to prevent Tsai from passing through the country next month en route to her planned visit to Central America, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that "transit diplomacy" is among the "petty moves" employed by Taiwan's leader, whose "ulterior political intentions are clear for all to see".

Lu reiterated that it has been commonly recognized by the international community that Taiwan is part of China, and that the one-China principle is the key political precondition for countries to develop relations and cooperate with China.

Meanwhile, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, an old friend of China, has been asked by president-elect Donald Trump to be ambassador to China, media reported.

Earlier on Wednesday, when asked about the possible appointment of Branstad, Lu said, "We welcome him to play a greater role in advancing the development of China-US relations."

"We are willing to work with whoever receives the position and work together to enhance the Sino-US relationship in a healthy and steady way."

Tsai is scheduled to visit Guatemala on Jan 11 and 12, Reuters reported on Tuesday. Trump, who was named Time magazine's Person of the Year on Wednesday, will be inaugurated on Jan 20.

An adviser to Trump's transition team said he considered it "very unlikely" there would be a meeting between Tsai and Trump if she were to go through New York, according to Reuters.