California Governor Gavin Newsom has affirmed his state’s unwavering commitment to climate change collaboration during his week-long visit to China, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Amidst strained U.S.-Chinese relations, Newsom, a Democrat, emphasized California’s global leadership in climate action, initiating his visit with a climate-themed discussion at The University of Hong Kong.
Addressing concerns about the reliability of the United States as an ally, Newsom assured the audience that, irrespective of national outcomes, California would remain a steadfast partner. Climate cooperation emerged as a focal point, given the shared engagement of both countries leading up to the U.N. climate change conference in Dubai on November 30.
While acknowledging existing partnerships between China and the U.S. on climate change, Newsom’s trip faced criticism from 60 advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations. These groups expressed disappointment in Newsom’s avoidance of critical human rights issues, a concern he dismissed, stating that progress on climate matters could coexist with addressing human rights concerns.
Newsom’s itinerary includes visits to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Jiangsu, where he will witness environmentally significant initiatives such as an all-electric bus fleet, an offshore wind facility, and Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory. Agreements with Chinese provincial leaders will be signed to establish mutual commitments on various climate goals.
Beyond climate issues, Newsom’s agenda encompasses discussions on cultural ties, combating xenophobia, economic development, and tourism promotion. California Governors, including Democrat Jerry Brown and Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, have a history of collaborating with China on climate initiatives, reflecting the state’s commitment to environmental leadership.