The highlight of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent trip to China was his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. According to a press release by Mr. Newsom’s office, he was the first governor to visit China in over four years and the first to meet with Mr. Xi since former Governor Brown in 2017.
The meeting resulted in a document titled “Declaration of Enhanced Subnational Climate Action and Cooperation Between the State of California and the People’s Republic of China.” But let’s not be fooled, this was nothing more than a photo op to boost Mr. Newsom’s presidential ambitions.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (L) meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct 25, 2023. (Courtesy of the Office of the Governor of California)
During the meetings, Governor Newsom discussed collaboration between California and China on climate action, economic development, tourism, and cultural ties. He emphasized California’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis and the importance of China’s involvement in global pollution reduction efforts. However, there was no mention of China’s coal dependency or efforts to stop building coal plants.
What About the Coal?
In fact, China accounts for almost a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, with a significant portion coming from their power sector, which continues to add new coal plants every year. Governor Newsom did mention California’s energy transition and increased battery storage resources, but conveniently ignored the issue of China’s coal usage.
Battery storage boxes stand adjacent to the AES Alamitos Battery Energy Storage System in Long Beach, Calif., on Sept. 16, 2022. (Patrick T Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Ironically, California heavily relies on eco-batteries imported from China, as highlighted in a report by Morgan Stanley. While Governor Newsom visited Guangzhou, a city known for its zero-emission bus fleet, the reality is that Guangdong Province has been actively developing coal power capacity, surpassing any other province in China.
Communist China’s Greatest Salesman
It seems that California’s carbon-zero plans are heavily dependent on China. Electric cars, buses, and storage batteries are either made in China or by Chinese companies in America. Governor Newsom’s ban on gas-powered cars means Californians may have to purchase expensive Chinese-made electric vehicles or rely on Chinese-backed electric buses.
Chinese communist leader Chairman Mao Zedong (L) greets US President Richard Nixon, at his house in Beijing on Feb. 21, 1972. (AFP via Getty Images)
While President Nixon’s meeting with Mao Zedong in 1972 was significant, the dynamics between the US and China have drastically changed. China is now a technological rival to the United States, and it is hypocritical for Governor Newsom to seek Chinese green technology while ignoring their reliance on coal energy.
It remains to be seen how this trip will impact Governor Newsom’s presidential aspirations, but one thing is clear: he has become communist China’s greatest salesman.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
How can a partnership between California and China be effective if China does not address its own coal usage?
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Construction of a coal-fired power plant in China. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
China’s coal dependency is a major contributor to global carbon emissions and climate change. While Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of collaboration between California and China on climate action, it is hypocritical to ignore China’s failure to address its own coal usage. How can a partnership be effective if one party is not fully committed to addressing the root cause of climate change?
This China junket by Governor Newsom is nothing but a political move to boost his image and further his personal ambitions. It is clear that the meetings and resulting document were simply a photo op to show his supposed commitment to climate action on the global stage. However, actions speak louder than words, and the lack of mention or discussion on China’s coal usage speaks volumes about the true intent of this trip.
The Real Motives
Governor Newsom has been eyeing a potential presidential run, and this trip to China is just another calculated step to position himself as a leader on the world stage. By meeting with Xi Jinping and producing a document on climate action, he hopes to paint himself as a progressive and forward-thinking politician. However, true leadership requires addressing the tough issues, including China’s coal dependency.
Furthermore, it is worth questioning the motives behind Governor Newsom’s desire for a partnership with China on economic development and tourism. While these areas may have mutual benefits, it is important to evaluate the potential risks and implications of aligning with a country known for human rights violations and unfair trade practices.
A Call for Accountability
As Californians, we deserve a governor who prioritizes the well-being of our state and the planet over personal political gain. It is time for Governor Newsom to be held accountable for his actions and to provide transparency on the true objectives and outcomes of his China junket.
We call on Governor Newsom to address China’s coal dependency and to take a stronger stance on global pollution reduction efforts. If he truly wants to be a leader on climate action, he must lead by example and not shy away from confronting the difficult issues. It is only through honest and genuine collaboration that we can effectively address the climate crisis and create a sustainable future for all.
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