China, US pick up pace on subnational exchanges

Cooperation grows as both sides find more common ground. May Zhou reports in Houston.

As the 2023 holiday season approaches, subnational exchanges between the United States and China are picking up pace.

The most noticeable example has been California Governor Gavin Newsom's weeklong visit to China that strengthened the state's cooperation with China on climate control, trade and cultural ties.

As the first US governor to visit China after a gap of more than four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsom accomplished a lot in his trip in late October, which was highlighted by a meeting with President Xi Jinping.

During his visit, Newsom signed five memorandums of understanding with the National Development and Reform Commission, Beijing, Shanghai and the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu. The MOUs advance California and China's work on climate policy.

California's agencies and departments will immediately initiate steps to implement the terms of the MOUs with their Chinese counterparts. This includes forming working groups, conducting bilateral meetings, establishing formal work plans and planning site and delegation visits, according to Newsom's office.

The California Energy Commission plans to attend the World New Energy Vehicle Conference in China, and California officials will engage with their Chinese counterparts at APEC in San Francisco and COP28 in Dubai.

"When it comes to climate, it's a G2 issue. The United States and China make up 42 percent of global emissions. We can't be serious about climate change without working together," Newsom said.