Climate Changed
Top U.S. Diplomat in China Said to Quit Over Climate Move
- David Rank led U.S. embassy in Beijing between ambassadors
- Rank gave farewell address citing climate for his departure
What the U.S. Departure Means for the Paris Agreement
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The top U.S. diplomat in China, David Rank, has resigned in protest of President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate change accord, according to three people familiar with the matter.
The past weekend was Rank’s final one as charge d’affaires at the embassy in Beijing, the top job until former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad arrives to take the post of ambassador. In a farewell speech to colleagues, Rank cited Trump’s decision last week to leave the Paris accord as the reason, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to comment publicly.