AsiaAsia PacificCaliforniaChinaChina governmentGavin NewsomGeneral NewsWang YiWorld NewsXi Jinping Unanticipated Meeting Between Governor Newsom and President Xi Highlights Warming Ties During Beijing Visit by Andrew Wright October 25, 2023 written by Andrew Wright October 25, 2023 7 comments Bookmark 45 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. Table of Contents Related DevelopmentsFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Newsom-Xi MeetingWhat was the primary purpose of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s visit to China?Was the meeting between Governor Newsom and Chinese President Xi Jinping planned in advance?What other topics did Governor Newsom and Chinese officials discuss during the visit?Did Governor Newsom make any commitments regarding future U.S. presidential elections?What role did Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, play in the discussions?Has California historically engaged in climate cooperation with China?Is Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to meet with President Joe Biden in the near future?More about Newsom-Xi Meeting Related Developments US Senate Majority Leader Schumer meets Xi, lauding enhanced Chinese stance on Hamas attack President Biden contemplates sideline meeting with Xi at upcoming November APEC summit in San Francisco Blinken and Xi commit to mending strained U.S.-China ties, despite China’s refusal to accede to major U.S. demands 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. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Newsom-Xi Meeting What was the primary purpose of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s visit to China? The primary purpose of Governor Newsom’s visit to China was to push for climate cooperation. The trip is part of a weeklong tour in which Newsom is visiting several cities and provinces across China, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Jiangsu. Was the meeting between Governor Newsom and Chinese President Xi Jinping planned in advance? No, the meeting between Governor Newsom and President Xi was not originally on the agenda and was described as unexpected or surprising. The meeting attracted significant attention, especially because it comes after a period of escalating tensions between the U.S. and China. What other topics did Governor Newsom and Chinese officials discuss during the visit? Aside from climate cooperation, other topics discussed included U.S.-China relations, the transnational shipment of fentanyl precursors, human rights, and Taiwan. The officials also discussed sub-national relationships as an essential part of broader diplomatic ties between the U.S. and China. Did Governor Newsom make any commitments regarding future U.S. presidential elections? In a speech at Hong Kong University, Governor Newsom pledged that California would continue to cooperate on climate change issues regardless of the outcome of future U.S. presidential elections. What role did Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, play in the discussions? Wang Yi met with Governor Newsom before the latter’s unexpected meeting with President Xi Jinping. During their conversation, they discussed renewing U.S.-China partnerships and engaging in dialogues about foundational issues affecting both nations’ futures. Wang Yi is also planning to visit the United States later this week. Has California historically engaged in climate cooperation with China? Yes, California has a history of active involvement in climate partnerships with China. Past governors, including Democrat Jerry Brown and Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, have visited China to share knowledge on reducing air pollution and emissions. Jerry Brown has also established the California-China Climate Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, to further this work. Is Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to meet with President Joe Biden in the near future? While it is yet to be officially confirmed, President Xi Jinping may participate in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. If he attends, a meeting with President Joe Biden could potentially take place. 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 You Might Be Interested In Executive With Previous Affiliation to Playgirl Magazine Admits to $250 Million Fraud Scheme in Lending Business Putin to Discuss Israeli-Hamas Conflict During Visits to UAE and Saudi Arabia Biden Allocates $7 Billion to Establish Clean Hydrogen Hubs Nationwide for Fossil Fuel Alternatives Demand for Speedy Services Strains Workers, Triggering Protests Across Industries Gaza cease-fire enters second day with more hostages to be exchanged and critical supplies delivered 4-day truce begins in Gaza, setting stage to swap dozens of hostages for Palestinian prisoners AsiaAsia PacificCaliforniaCalifornia PoliticsChinaChina governmentClimate CooperationGavin NewsomGeneral NewsU.S.-China RelationsWang YiXi Jinping Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Andrew Wright Follow Author Andrew Wright is a business reporter who covers the latest news and trends in the world of finance and economics. He enjoys analyzing market trends and economic data, and he is always on the lookout for new opportunities for investors. previous post Endorsement of Israel Emerges as a Crucial Subject Among Iowa’s Evangelical Voters in the Upcoming Republican Caucuses next post Son of Nashville Police Chief, Suspected in Shooting of Two Officers, Found Deceased Following Vehicle Pursuit You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 7 comments JohnDoe42 October 25, 2023 - 2:51 pm Wow, didn’t see that comin. Newsom meeting Xi is big news. It’s like Cali is its own country lol. What’s next? Reply GoldenStateWarrior October 25, 2023 - 6:30 pm As a Californian, it makes me proud to see our Governor out there on the international stage. but let’s not forget the issues we got back home too. Reply ForeignPolicyFan October 25, 2023 - 8:44 pm Really curious bout what this means for US-China relations on the whole. Wang Yi’s upcoming trip to the US should be enlightening. Reply CryptoKing October 26, 2023 - 12:11 am Interesting to see Newsom in China given all the tension. wonder how this affects economics and trade. Any thoughts? Reply ClimateActivist99 October 26, 2023 - 7:12 am This is awesome! finally some good news on climate change. we need more states to step up like California. Keep it up, Newsom! Reply RealistRick October 26, 2023 - 8:50 am Good effort but lets be realistic, one state governor aint gonna change U.S.-China policy. But a step in the right direction I guess. Reply SkepticalSandra October 26, 2023 - 12:31 pm Not sure how much we can trust this partnership. Remember, China’s still got issues with human rights and all that. Just sayin. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ