California Gov. Newsom has rare friendly exchange with China’s senior diplomat Wang Yi

By HUIZHONG WU
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom met with China’s seniormost diplomat Wang Yi Wednesday and displayed a brief moment of friendliness that stands in sharp contrast to the dialogue between the U.S. and China in recent years. Newsom of spoke of “renewing our friendship and reengaging foundational and fundamental issues” with China in opening remarks ahead of his meeting with Wang. The California governor is on a weeklong tour of China where he will push for climate cooperation. Newsom’s trip as governor, once considered routine, is drawing attention as it comes after years of heightening tensions between the U.S. and China.