China’s Xi Welcomes Gavin Newsom in Beijing With Eye on U.S. Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed California Governor Gavin Newsom to Beijing on January 20, 2022, in a meeting that was seen as an opportunity for Xi to strengthen ties with a major U.S. State ahead of his planned visit to the United States later this year. Newsom's visit to China came at a time when relations between Beijing and Washington have been strained due to issues such as trade, human rights, and technology. During the meeting, Xi reportedly praised Newsom's efforts to deepen economic and cultural ties between California and China, and the two leaders discussed issues related to climate change, clean energy, and innovation. Newsom's trip to China also included meetings with Chinese officials and business leaders in areas such as technology, healthcare, and education. The visit was seen as a sign of growing economic cooperation between California and China, despite the broader tensions between the two countries.