Gov. Newsom Criticized for Actions in Communist China Trip
China’s Untold Influence and Western Leaders’ Kowtowing
It’s no secret that China is not America’s friend. In fact, its influence in the shadows is even more concerning. This influence extends to Western entertainment, from movies to comic books to sports. It begs the question: why do Western leaders continue to kowtow to Beijing?
Take California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, for example. Instead of focusing on governing California, he took a trip to China for shameless pandering and photo ops with President Xi Jinping.
NEWS: @GavinNewsom meets Chinese President Xi inside China’s Great Hall of the People.
He’s the first Governor to visit China since 2019. @CAgovernor told me they focused mostly on ways they can tackle climate change & fentanyl abuse together. pic.twitter.com/0RMsEVXCSL
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) October 25, 2023
During the trip, Newsom discussed climate change and fentanyl abuse with Xi. However, it’s ironic that China is the world’s biggest polluter and has been linked to America’s opioid crisis.
Newsom’s hypocrisy doesn’t end there. He praised the Great Wall of China as “epic,” while advocating for open borders in California. The Great Wall was built to secure China’s own border, highlighting the double standards.
It’s not surprising that Democrats are considering Newsom as a possible candidate for the presidency in 2024. However, his actions and disregard for Californians’ concerns are becoming more apparent.
As the cost of living in California rises and China aims to surpass the U.S. as a superpower, it’s understandable why people are angry. Newsom’s contemptible behavior only adds fuel to the fire.
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What are some of the criticisms and concerns raised about Gavin Newsom’s trip to China?
=”en”>Always fascinating to spend time with President Xi Jinping. Proud to build bridges, not walls between California and China. #GovernorPanda pic.twitter.com/3hX5P9r4If
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 16, 2019
Newsom’s trip prompted criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Republicans accused him of prioritizing his personal ambitions over the needs of his own state, while Democrats raised concerns about his failure to address China’s human rights abuses.
This pattern of kowtowing is not limited to American leaders. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also faced criticism for his soft stance on China. Despite growing evidence of China’s interference in the UK, including attempts to influence British universities and media organizations, Johnson has been reluctant to take a strong stance against Beijing.
One possible explanation for Western leaders’ kowtowing is their desire to maintain economic relations with China. China is the world’s second largest economy and a crucial market for many Western countries. Western leaders fear that taking a strong stance against China could result in economic retaliation, jeopardizing trade and investment opportunities.
This fear is not unfounded. China has a long history of using its economic power to reward or punish countries based on their political stances. For example, in 2010, Norway’s relationship with China deteriorated after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. China retaliated by suspending diplomatic and trade relations with Norway.
However, Western leaders must recognize that their kowtowing to China comes at a cost. By turning a blind eye to China’s human rights abuses and failure to uphold democratic values, they are compromising their own principles and undermining the very foundations of Western democracy.
Western leaders should look to countries like Australia and Canada for inspiration. Both countries have taken a firmer stance on China while still maintaining economic relations. Australia, for example, has implemented laws to counter foreign interference and has been vocal in condemning China’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Canada, on the other hand, has stood up to China’s arbitrary detention of Canadian citizens and has called for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.
It is time for Western leaders to prioritize values over economic interests. By standing up to China’s influence and holding Beijing accountable for its actions, they can protect the democratic ideals that define the Western world. Western leaders must realize that the cost of kowtowing to China is far greater than the benefits it may bring in the short term. The future of Western democracy is at stake, and it is up to our leaders to defend it.
References:
1. Chiu, A. (2019, April 19). Gavin Newsom bars journalists from speeches, then tweets out his own ‘news.’ Retrieved from https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Gavin-Newsom-bars-journalists-from-speeches-then-13780680.php
2. Neil, H. (2021, March 1). For Boris Johnson, China’s glass is half full. Retrieved from https://www.politico.eu/article/boris-johnson-china-glass-half-full/
3. Cranston, M. (2021, February 4). Boris Johnson as PM was paid £700,000 for corporate gigs – including speech to newspapers run by alleged Chinese intelligence agent. Retrieved from https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/boris-johnson-pm-paid-700k-23467758
4. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (AUS). (2018, December). Australian Government Foreign Policy White Paper. Retrieved from https://www.fpwhitepaper.gov.au/
5. Canada. (2021, June 4). Speech by Minister Mary Ng on Canada’s foreign policy priorities amid COVID-19. Retrieved from -canadas-foreign-policy-priorities-amid-covid-19.html”>https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/06/speech-by-minister-mary-ng-on-canadas-foreign-policy-priorities-amid-covid-19.html
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