POLITICS
Gavin Newsom Meets With Xi Jinping In China For Talks On Climate, Human Rights And Fentanyl
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California Governor Gavin Newsom met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-level officials in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss climate, human rights and other issues.
Newsom emphasized China’s critical role in global efforts to reduce pollution, and highlighted the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco next month.
“Were not going to move the needle on climate change unless the United States and China collaborate together,” Newsom said at a press conference following a meeting between the leaders.
As two of the worlds largest economies, the work we do together is felt in countless communities on both sides of the Pacific, Newsom said in a statement.
Newsom also met with Chairman Zheng Shanjie from the National Development and Reform Commission, and they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and accelerate the clean energy transition.
According to the governor’s office, China accounts for almost a third of the worlds total greenhouse gas emissions and approximately half of that comes from their power sector. Newsom shared learnings from Californias energy transition and encouraged Chinese officials to deploy battery storage technology.
Despite major differences, we share our humanity — our desire to feel protected, connected and respected is universal — and that humanity is what should drive us to work together to stop the greatest existential threat our planet has ever known, Newsom said. Addressing climate change can be the bridge weve been missing. I made it clear to Chinese leaders that California will remain a stable, strong, and reliable partner, particularly on low-carbon, green growth.”
Although the trip was primarily focused on climate initiatives, Newsom also discussed human rights issues and the fentanyl crisis with his Chinese counterparts.
Discussions on human rights covered issues including Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang and Taiwan, as well as California pastor David Lin, who has been imprisoned in China since 2006.
Newsom also discussed China’s role in combating the shipment of fentanyl precursor chemicals from the country to the U.S. and Mexico, which has been fueling an overdose crisis.
The U.S. Department of Justice earlier this month announced eight indictments against China-based chemical companies and their employees in connection with fentanyl and methamphetamine production.
According to the Justice Department, China-based manufacturers ship fentanyl and methamphetamine precursors, opioid additives, and synthetic opioids to the U.S. and Mexico, where drug traffickers and cartels combine them for distribution.
The meeting comes amid relatively cool relations between the U.S. and China, including a long-standing lack of high-level military talks.
This was a very positive and consequential day for the United States, said U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, who was present for the meetings.
TMX contributed to this article.
