California Gov. Newsom meets with China’s President Xi to discuss climate change
October 26, 2023
California Gov. Gavin Newsom met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a weeklong mission to negotiate climate partnerships between the U.S. and China.
The climate partnership: During Newsom’s diplomatic visit to Beijing on Wednesday, he signed a climate partnership with Guangdong Province, setting goals for reducing carbon reliance and increasing renewable energy use. He reportedly plans to sign similar agreements with four other Chinese provinces.
“Turning the page”: Newsom also met with Vice President Han Zheng and other Chinese officials, discussing deepening cooperation in environmental issues between California and China. Although the meeting comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, Newsom expressed his hope to renew the friendship and engage on fundamental issues.
“I’m here in expectation, as you suggest, of turning the page, of renewing our friendship and reengaging [on] foundational and fundamental issues that will determine our collective faith in the future,” Newsom said, according to the Associated Press.
Other discussions: Xi and Newsom discussed the issue of fentanyl, a synthetic drug, and China’s role in combating the transnational shipping of its chemicals. Newsom also discussed human rights issues and expressed support for the One-China policy.
His trip has drawn positive comments from Chinese officials, emphasizing the importance of sub-national cooperation for the China-U.S. relationship. Newsom’s trip has fueled expectations of a possible visit by Xi to the U.S. next month.
“I hope your visit will enhance mutual understanding between the two sides and play a positive role in expanding cooperation between China and California and promoting the healthy and stable development of Sino-U.S. relations,” Xi said, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
About Newsom: In California, Newsom has enacted laws and regulations to transition the state away from fossil fuels, including a ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035, a commitment to stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by 2045 and an end to oil drilling by 2045. His efforts on climate action have raised his national profile, sparking speculation about a potential White House run in 2028.
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