Gov. Newsom Meets With Chinese President Xi During Beijing Visit

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China, on Wednesday as part of his international trip promoting cooperation on climate change. 

Key Quote: “The only way we can solve our climate crisis is to continue our longstanding cooperation with China,” read a social media post from the Office of the Governor of California account. “As two of the world’s largest economies, the work we do together is felt in countless communities on both sides of the Pacific. Despite major differences, we share our humanity – our desire to feel protected, connected and respected is universal – and that humanity is what should drive us to work together to stop the greatest existential threat our planet has ever known.”

Details: In addition to discussing environmental efforts, Newsom reportedly spoke with Chinese leaders about California’s fentanyl crisis and the Chinese chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, as well as declining Chinese tourism to California. Coverage also noted a possible meeting between Xi and President Joe Biden in San Francisco next month.

How the Media Covered It: Right-rated outlets prominently covered criticism aimed at Newsom. The Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) framed coverage around Newsom’s “failure to address human rights abuses” while speaking with Xi. Newsom reportedly discussed these concerns with China’s foreign minister, but not Xi. Fox News (Right bias) also framed coverage around criticism, reporting that Newsom was “blasted online” for his visit. These criticisms were not highlighted as prominently in left-rated coverage.