Council Applauds Gov. Newsom’s Leadership in China Diplomacy

Over a decade ago, the Bay Area Council saw the power of subnational relationships between California, the Bay Area and China to create pathways for deepening economic, cultural, scientific and even political ties, even as tensions at the national level ratcheted up. So, we are extremely grateful to Gov. Newsom for his visit to China this week when he met with President Xi Jinping and other top Chinese provincial government, business and academic leaders to advance subnational cooperation on climate change and a range of other mutual business, economic and other interests. The visit has garnered international media attention and won praise in the Chinese media, highlighting Gov. Newsom’s and California’s leadership on a global stage ahead of the APEC Leaders Summit (see above) coming to San Francisco from Nov. 13-17.

The chairs of the Bay Area Council’s China Committee played prominent roles in helping organize and host meetings for Gov. Newsom. Florence Fang helped lead the host committee in organizing Gov. Newsom’s participation in a key discussion at Beijing University on climate change. Fang and her China Committee Co-Chair Kevin Xu, CEO of MEBO, also represented the Council at a reception for Gov. Newsom hosted by U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. And the Council is hosting a reception for Gov. Newsom on Saturday in Shanghai to culminate his week-long trip.  

“The Governor’s visit to China highlights the unique potential of state-level engagements in advancing diplomatic and economic relations,” said Council Vice President Jennifer Zou, who leads our China work from our office in Shanghai. “His approach, which leverages common interests like climate change as a foundation for broader dialogue, resonates with our organization’s core principles and mission.”

This visit, along with the recent series of MOU signings between California and Chinese counterparts, marks just the beginning. The Council, through its offices in Shanghai and Beijing and with partners across both regions, is dedicated to sustaining and building upon these initiatives. Gov. Newsom’s trip is certain to energize efforts to create more opportunities for Californians at home and abroad. To gain further insights into the Council’s China Committee and services in China, please contact Senior Director Alex Foard.