Terry Branstad: “The last thing in the world we ought to do is become dependent on China for the rare earth minerals and the batteries.”

I believe it would be a big mistake for Iowa to support him. And I know he is ahead in the polls.

We could go on and on, but the biggest problem is being dependent on China, who is our biggest competitor in the world.

I urge Chinese authorities to engage in meaningful and direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama and his representatives without preconditions to lower tensions and resolve differences.

I want to do anything and everything that I can to try to find an acceptable solution for the benefit of the entire human race.