US-China trade important for California: officials

Despite escalating tensions at the federal level, some officials from the Golden State said the US-China trade war is hurting the economy in Southern California and expressed the desire for continuing ties with the Asian giant.

"It's important, particularly at this time, to remind people that California is open to China, and California wants to be cooperative with China. California wants to continue to have cultural ties and trade ties to China," said Anthony Rendon, speaker of the California State Assembly, on Wednesday.

Rendon, who represents the 63rd District in southeastern Los Angeles County, said the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, major gateways for US-Asia trade, are both close to his district, and that a trade war is especially harmful for California, because the state's economy is heavily dependent on international trade.

"In California, we are proud of our relationship with China and we want to make sure that we continue to be open to have good relationship with China," Rendon said.

On Monday, the 10 percent tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports kicked into effect. In a Sept 17 statement, US President Donald Trump said he would raise the tariff to 25 percent starting January of next year.

In response, the Chinese government lobbed tariffs on $60 billion worth of US imports, which also took effect on Monday.

Rendon was among a number of American and Chinese officials, as well as representatives from private and public sectors, who attended a reception Wednesday. The event, hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles on Wednesday, celebrated the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Zhang Ping, Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, spoke about the development of China after its reform and opening up 40 years ago during an opening speech, but also touched upon the current trade disputes between China and US. He reiterated that China is California's largest trading partner and its third-largest export destination for goods.

"Among the American states, California has attracted the most Chinese investment and tourists and has the biggest number of international students from China, illustrating the mutually beneficial nature of China-US economic and trade relations and demonstrating the vigor and vitality of sub-national cooperation," Zhang said.

Among the guests at the reception were various state and local officials, including California Assembly members Laura Friedman and Ed Chau, as well as Nina Hachigian, Los Angeles deputy mayor for international affairs.

Many guests offered their congratulations to China's 69th anniversary and welcomed continual friendship between the two countries.

Hachigian said that China and Los Angeles shared many interests, and that "there's no denying the impact the Chinese and the Chinese-American communities have had on our city," she said.

During an interview with China Daily, Chau said the trade conflicts not only hurts business people who trade with China, but it ultimately hurts the consumers who have to pay higher prices for products they used to be getting at lower prices.

Chau said it's a lose-lose situation for both countries, and he's hopeful that the conflicts will end soon.

Contact the writer at teresaliu@chinadailyusa.com