California plays bridging role in boosting relationship

Subnational joint action on environmental issues helps overcome national-level disruptions. Hou Liqiang reports.

Despite some politicians in Washington trying to disrupt overall ties with Beijing in recent years, subnational efforts between China and California to address the looming global climate crisis have remained rock solid.

Subnational cooperation, which dates back decades, has also served as a bridge to help maintain links between the world's two largest economies amid the ups and downs of the relationship at the national level, experts and officials said.

Gavin Newsom, governor of California, paid a weeklong visit to China in late October, and a statement issued by his office after the trip highlighted the role his state plays in aiding the China-United States relationship.