‘California in recent years has pursued a friendly policy toward China,’ state-run Global Times says
Guangzhou Consul general Lisa Heller greets Gavin Newsom (D., Calif.) at the governor’s first stop in Shenzhen, China. (Twitter/@USAmbChina)
A Chinese Communist Party-controlled propaganda outlet is gushing over California governor Gavin Newsom, writing that the Democrat has formed a “truly precious” relationship with China that it hopes will bring “communication and cooperation” between China and the United States.
As Newsom traveled to Hong Kong on Monday for a week-long trip, Chinese state-run propaganda rag Global Times published an editorial praising the Democrat’s “keen desire” to cooperate with the communist nation. While the Chinese people “currently lack faith in Washington as a whole and have distrust toward some US politicians,” according to the outlet, Newsom is held in high regard given his “deep connection with China.”
“The welcome for Governor Newsom’s visit is sincere and warm, as ‘it is always a pleasure to greet a friend from afar,'” reads the editorial, which is titled, “Truly precious for China-California friendship to carry forward.”
“California in recent years has pursued a friendly policy toward China, which is notable given the current state of China-US relations,” it continues. “The stability and continuity that California has maintained in its handling of relations with China are particularly commendable.”
The Chinese Communist Party’s extensive praise for Newsom comes as the governor assembles a political apparatus that he could use to run for president in 2028—or next year, should the 80-year-old president Joe Biden leave the race. Newsom’s visit to China, however, is already prompting pushback from Republicans and could be used to portray the Democrat as soft on China. Rep. Michelle Steel (R., Calif.) called Newsom’s trip “delusional,” while a group of GOP congressional members on Friday said the visit would prop up a regime that is committing “genocide of minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet.”
“The CCP is getting more brazen in its violations of human rights and aggression towards democratic partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, the CCP refuses to cooperate with the U.S. on the fentanyl crisis,” the members wrote in a letter to Newsom. “These issues are too pressing for you to overlook as they deeply impact our constituents. Given your refusal to discuss human rights and the fentanyl crisis with the CCP, we do not see how this trip will benefit Californians.”
Newsom did not return a request for comment.
The Chinese Communist Party has a long history of using its state-run media network to prop up sympathetic U.S. politicians. In March, for example, a Global Times piece used Wisconsin Democratic congressman Mark Pocan to argue that calls to ban TikTok in the United States are part of a “xenophobic witch hunt,” a line that Pocan delivered during a “Keep TikTok” rally in Washington, D.C.
In addition to the Global Times, the Chinese Communist Party ahead of Newsom’s trip praised the governor through Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. During an October 19 press conference, Mao said China “welcomes governor Gavin Newsom” and “hopes that the visit will produce good results and bolster California’s exchanges and cooperation with China.”
“China encourages interactions between Chinese and Americans from all walks of life and supports sub-national efforts of expanding exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, education, culture and youth,” Mao said.
Newsom said he hoped to use his China trip to bolster cooperation between America and the communist nation on climate change. The Democrat on Tuesday test drove an electric car made by BYD, a Chinese auto giant that has ”deep personal ties” to China’s military and “state apparatus,” according to the Alliance for American Manufacturing.
How can Newsom strike a balance between promoting California’s economic interests and addressing concerns about national security and human rights when cooperating with China
It the American people.”
However, Newsom’s relationship with China has been a long-standing one. As the editorial points out, Newsom has been actively involved in promoting ties between California and China. During his time as mayor of San Francisco, he established a sister-city relationship with Shanghai and led trade missions to China to promote economic cooperation. As governor, he has continued to foster strong connections with China, including signing agreements for trade and investment.
Newsom’s visit to China comes at a critical time for US-China relations. The two countries have been engaged in a trade war for several years, with tariffs and sanctions being imposed on each other’s goods. The editorial in Global Times suggests that Newsom’s visit could serve as a bridge of communication and cooperation between the two nations, which is much needed in these tense times.
While Newsom’s friendly policy towards China may be commendable in the eyes of the Chinese Communist Party, it has drawn criticism from Republicans who see it as a potential threat to national security. The pushback from GOP members highlights concerns about China’s human rights abuses and its aggressive behavior towards democratic partners.
It is important for Newsom to address these concerns and clarify his stance on human rights and national security issues. As a potential presidential candidate, he needs to demonstrate a strong and principled approach towards China that prioritizes American values and interests.
Ultimately, the relationship between California and China can be beneficial for both parties. California is the largest state economy in the US and has significant economic ties with China. Strengthening these ties can lead to increased trade, investment, and collaboration in various sectors.
However, it is crucial that any cooperation with China is based on mutual respect, transparency, and adherence to international norms. It should not come at the expense of human rights, national security, or the interests of the American people.
As Newsom continues his visit to China, it is important for him to strike a balance between promoting California’s economic interests and addressing the concerns of his constituents. By engaging in open dialogue and meaningful discussions, he can ensure that any cooperation with China serves the best interests of both California and the United States.
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