Unanticipated Meeting Between Governor Newsom and President Xi Highlights Warming Ties During Beijing Visit

California Governor Gavin Newsom unexpectedly met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this past Wednesday. The meeting was marked by a warm reception from other high-ranking Chinese officials, contrasting sharply with the frostier interactions between the U.S. and China in recent times.

Newsom’s visit to China, originally intended to focus on environmental collaboration, has attracted significant attention. It follows a period of escalating tension between the United States and China, making this trip especially noteworthy.

Prior to his meeting with Xi, Newsom had a conversation with China’s leading diplomat, Wang Yi. “The aim of my visit is to renew our partnership and engage in discussions about key issues that will shape our mutual future,” said Newsom in preliminary comments.

Though environmental collaboration was the primary agenda for Newsom, Chinese authorities used their welcoming remarks to also address U.S.-China relations. This occurs just as Wang Yi is slated for a trip to the United States later this week.

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During a post-meeting press conference, Newsom disclosed that he and Xi talked about “making significant strides in combating climate change,” without delving into further details. The discussion also touched upon China’s role in controlling the transnational shipment of fentanyl precursors, a synthetic drug implicated in numerous U.S. deaths.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV quoted President Xi as saying, “I anticipate that your visit will foster a greater understanding between both sides, and contribute positively to China-California cooperation as well as overall Sino-U.S. relations.”

Although it is yet to be officially confirmed, Xi may partake in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco next month, where a meeting with President Joe Biden could potentially take place.

During his stay in China, Newsom will visit various cities and provinces, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Jiangsu. In a speech at Hong Kong University, Newsom pledged ongoing climate collaboration, irrespective of the results of future U.S. presidential elections.

Human rights and Taiwan were also subjects of Newsom’s dialogue with Wang. The governor expressed his support for the One-China policy while expressing reservations about Taiwanese independence, aligning with established U.S. positions.

Wang, who oversees the Communist Party’s foreign affairs department, acknowledged the criticisms Newsom’s trip has received but emphasized its overall positive implications.

Vice President Han Zheng, a former member of China’s ruling elite, also met Newsom, labeling him an “old friend” and highlighting the importance of sub-national relationships in the broader Sino-U.S. diplomatic context.

Newsom signed a memorandum with the head of China’s National Development and Reform Commission to enhance environmental cooperation.

Historically, California governors have been active in fostering climate partnerships with China. Both Democrats like Jerry Brown and Republicans like Arnold Schwarzenegger have previously engaged in knowledge exchange focused on environmental issues. Brown has even established the California-China Climate Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, post his gubernatorial tenure.

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More about Newsom-Xi Meeting

• U.S.-China Relations: A Brief Overview
• California’s Efforts on Climate Change
• Background on the Fentanyl Crisis in the U.S.
• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Details
• The One-China Policy Explained
• Historical Climate Partnerships Between California and China
• California-China Climate Institute at UC Berkeley
• U.S. Diplomatic Approach Toward Taiwan