A spokesperson from the State Department has confirmed Rank's departure, but could not confirm Twitter posts saying he resigned because he was unable to formally notify China of the US decision to withdraw from the agreement. The spokesperson stated that Rank has retired from the foreign service and that his departure was a personal decision. The State Department expressed appreciation for Rank's dedicated years of service. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, who has been chosen by President Trump as the next US ambassador to Beijing, is expected to assume the position later this month. According to China expert John Pomfret, Rank resigned from his position because he disagreed with Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris agreement. Rank reportedly called a meeting to inform embassy staff of his decision and explained that he could not deliver a diplomatic note to China regarding the US decision. A senior US official confirmed these details, adding that Rank announced his retirement in Beijing on Monday but was instructed by the State Department to leave his post immediately. The official, who spoke anonymously, also mentioned that the top personnel officer at the US State Department, one of the few remaining Obama administration appointees, resigned on June 1. Arnold Chacon, who previously held positions as director general of the foreign service and director of human resources, resigned from his position when President Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20, along with all other presidential appointees. Chacon's resignation was reported by the DiploPundit website, but it is uncertain if he will be given another position within the department. Currently, aside from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and a few others, most of the senior positions at the State Department are either vacant or filled by acting officials. Chacon and Rank, a long-time foreign service officer who recently became the deputy chief of mission in Beijing, were not available for immediate comment. Jonathan Fritz, the embassy's economics councillor, will be stepping in as chargé in Rank's absence, according to Richey-Allen. Rank had a 27-year career with the department and previously served as the political councillor at the US Embassy in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord on Thursday was met with criticism from world leaders and industry heads, who believe the agreement is essential for the environment and economy.