Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for ambassador to China, declined to comment Monday on a key policy between the U.S. and China following remarks from his future boss.

Branstad was asked at a news conference whether the one-China policy should be maintained after Trump said Sunday that he didn't feel "bound by a one-China policy." Under the policy, the U.S. recognizes Beijing as the capital of China and maintains only unofficial relations with Taiwan.

Branstad said it would be inappropriate for him to comment on policy matters before he's confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He added that it's not his role to set policy, but rather to be one who "helps implement policy and works as a go-between between our two countries."