California plays bridging role in boosting relationship

Wider reach

During the trip, California signed MoUs with China's National Development and Reform Commission, Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, as well as Beijing and Shanghai.

"These MoUs advance California and China's work on climate policy and help set the stage for national discussions and partnerships," the statement said.

According to the MoU signed with Jiangsu, California and the province will collaborate on clean energy deployment, especially offshore wind, and on nature-based solutions and efforts to protect biodiversity.

Newsom received positive feedback during his talks with Jiangsu Party chief Xin Changxing on a range of issues.

Xin vowed further efforts to strengthen two-way flow of trade and investment, cooperation on green development and tackling climate change, as well as people-to-people exchanges, all of which were expected to make contributions to the steady development of China-US relations.

Newsom's office said the governor's trip "has helped thaw relations and builds on the Biden administration's efforts to continue an open dialogue with China".

California has also signed an MoU with South China's Hainan province.

The MoU with Hainan, which was signed in August in Sacramento, capital city of California, outlines five areas of climate cooperation: cutting air pollution; developing and implementing climate adaptation and carbon neutrality plans; advancing clean energy; accelerating zero-emission vehicles; and, driving nature-based solutions.

"Such cooperation is in line with the interests of both sides," Zhang said, adding such collaboration has been maintained despite changes in governing parties in the US.

Tang Xinhua, an associate researcher with the Institute of International Relations at Tsinghua University, underscored the important role cooperation between California and China can play in bridging gaps in the national relationship, even in the face of potential political interruptions following changes in the US presidential administration.

Despite emerging "uncertainties" in overall China-US cooperation due to the upcoming 2024 presidential election, subnational engagement will help maintain contacts between the two sides and provide the foundation for the potential resumption of cooperation, he said.

Subnational engagement is a key supplement to cooperation at the national level on climate issues, Tang said, as it usually involves practical action and strengthens the framework of cooperation between the two countries.

"Cooperation between the two countries' regional governments is usually more related to specific industries, such as renewable energy development, which are very tangible," he added.

Contact the writer at houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn