California Governor Gavin Newsom engaged in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday.
The purpose of this meeting was to promote climate cooperation between the two nations, a trip that has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum within the United States, as per NBC News.
Positive Meeting Between Gavin Newsom, Xi Jinping
Reception for Newsom at this high-profile meeting sharply contrasted the official dialogue between Beijing and Washington in recent years. Relations between the world's two largest economies are currently at a low ebb over various issues, including China's aggression toward Taiwan, activities in the South China Sea, trade disputes, and human rights concerns.
Newsom, a Democratic governor, described his 45-minute encounter with President Xi as "remarkably positive." The meeting took place in the stately Great Hall of the People and is part of Newsom's week-long trip to China, which includes visits to Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces.
This visit comes amid growing speculation that Newsom could be a potential successor to President Joe Biden if the 80-year-old decides not to accept the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024. However, Newsom has repeatedly ruled himself out as a candidate.
Speaking after he meets with President Xi, Newsom acknowledged the stress in US-China relations in recent years and expressed hope for a "new phase" in the relationship. He emphasized the need to manage strategic differences and reconcile established red lines between the two countries.
Newsom commended President Xi's willingness to work toward reconciliation and promote people-to-people exchanges. While Newsom expressed his support for President Biden, his China visit marks the latest in a series of profile-raising moves.
These include joining Donald Trump's Truth Social network for conservative debate, participating in a Republican primary debate to make the Democratic case, and challenging Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to a televised debate.
However, Newsom's trip to China has faced criticism from Republicans, who argue that he should address issues such as human rights abuses by Beijing and Chinese fentanyl production, according to Mail Online.
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Climate Diplomacy Takes Center Stage During Newsom's Visit to China
The meeting with President Xi occurred shortly after Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell referred to China as part of an "axis of evil" along with Russia and Iran.
During his visit to China, Newsom discussed climate change and collaboration between California and China in addressing this global challenge. He highlighted the importance of continuing climate cooperation, even with a difference in the White House.
Fentanyl production and precursor chemicals were also discussed, with Newsom describing the conversation as "remarkably positive."
In his discussions with President Xi, Newsom did not raise China's human rights record, including the persecution of Uyghur Muslims. Instead, the focus was on areas of potential collaboration.
President Xi hoped that Newsom's visit would enhance mutual understanding and promote cooperation between China and California while contributing to developing Sino-US relations. The meeting underscored the importance of climate change as a common ground for collaboration between the two nations.
The US media were physically blocked from Newsom's meeting with President Xi, while Chinese journalists were allowed access. Newsom's meeting with Xi followed discussions with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, who is set to visit the US Newsom's visit is viewed positively by Chinese officials as a step toward mutual understanding and expanding cooperation.
Newsom's renewed commitment to climate cooperation with China and his discussions on other critical issues indicate a potential shift in the dynamics of US-China relations.
These high-profile meetings suggest stabilizing ties between the two nations and raise expectations for a possible meeting between President Xi and President Biden at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, California, next month.
Newsom's role in these discussions highlights the diplomatic potential of climate cooperation in bridging differences between the US and China, South China Morning Post reported.
