Simpson College hosted former Iowa Governor and Ambassador to China Terry Branstad for a conversation with Simpson President Jay Byers Tuesday afternoon, discussing the past, present, and future relationship with China. Governor Branstad tells KNIA News one of the things he wanted to convey was that while China is an economic rival of the United States and their one-party government is not indicative of the US values, we should try to remember to separate the Chinese people and their government.

“I think it’s critically important. I’ve been involved as Governor with the sister-state program with China and have gotten to know a lot of Chinese people. I have a great deal of respect for them, for their work ethic, for their commitment to education, for their family values. And I think we need to respect that, but at the same time be wary of some of the things their government is doing.”

Hear more about the event on an upcoming Let’s Talk Indianola.