Editor's note: Farhad Chowdhury, a special commentator for CGTN, is a security and strategic affairs researcher and columnist. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On October 23, California Governor Gavin Newsom started a week-long visit to China. He leads a delegation to China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Jiangsu Province. He plans to meet high-ranking officials to support climate action, economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange to fight xenophobia. On October 19, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China welcomes California Governor Gavin Newsom and his team to China and hopes for fruitful outcomes.

It is important to note that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have all visited China before Newsom this year.

However, can California Governor Gavin Newsom help strengthen Beijing-Washington ties and Beijing's own climate change management? As California is the most populous state in the U.S., and would be the world's fifth-largest economy if it were a country, its governor can play an important role in U.S.-China relations.

U.S.-China climate cooperation is crucial for sustainable global growth. California might convince Washington that the economies of China and the U.S. can only thrive through collaboration. The U.S. should solve this "biggest barrier" by prioritizing stable and cohesive policies, overcoming ideological differences, and cooperating with China and other nations to avoid the climate disaster and provide a sustainable planet for future generations.

Newsom's visit takes place amid U.S.-China political friction. Trade disputes, so-called human rights issues, and geopolitical crises frequently eclipse cooperation. This difficult geopolitical context makes climate engagement between the two countries even more pressing.

Despite political differences, both nations have resumed climate discussions, acknowledging the necessity for global cooperation to combat climate change. Interaction on climate change is a key avenue to navigate U.S.-China relations.

California has the potential to enhance interaction and collaboration between China and the United States. California can enhance subnational bilateral interactions and collaboration in technology, innovation, and green development. The governor's ambitious China plan emphasizes climate alliances, economic growth, and cultural interactions.

California, facing climatic issues including wildfires and droughts, leads U.S. climate action. Newsom is visiting China to share information and work on climate change solutions. Newsom's itinerary includes visits to an all-electric bus fleet in Shenzhen, an offshore wind plant, and a wetland reserve, demonstrating China's eco-conscious modernization. Newsom plans to sign climate targets with leaders of Chinese provinces during the trip, committing to coordinated action.

However, his aim extends beyond climate change. The tour also addresses cultural connections and xenophobia, demonstrating the complexity of international diplomacy.

Despite continued interaction and communication, China and the U.S. may use subnational authorities' commercial interests to improve economic relations. In May, the China-California Business Forum in Los Angeles brought together hundreds of businesses to strengthen economic connections and commerce between the two countries.

Trade and investment are also Newsom's priorities. California's economic connection with China is important since China is California's third largest national trading partner. The governor hopes economic collaboration will enhance California's economy and spur job development and innovation.

Finally, Newsom's visit to China emphasizes the value of cultural contacts in international relations. The governor seeks understanding and collaboration via communication and partnerships. California's vast cultural diversity serve as bridges towards their ancestral homeland. Governor Newsom's China tour shows his dedication to diplomacy, international involvement, and global issues.

California, with a population of nearly 40 million, draws a lot of the Chinese investment, visitors and students. This tour offers a chance to bridge gaps for vital international cooperation. The China-U.S. relationship may improve with Newsom's visit. California's "subnational" diplomacy may promote international collaboration and climate-focused alliances to close this gap. As the state will host the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in mid-November, this visit is seen as a prelude for even higher-level China-U.S. meetings.

The current California governor and past mayor has visited China many times to promote collaboration between two major economies. California is a hotbed for innovation, and Newsom may address methods to increase California-China technology and innovation collaboration.

There are many issues to resolve in the China-U.S. relationship. However, Newsom's trip offers a chance to discuss shared interests and collaborate.

The American and Chinese mindsets are crucial in this situation. Nothing good for mankind will happen unless these two nations work together to solve global problems. Their combined output amounts to about 40 percent of global GDP. Their technical advances are setting the standard, and their cultural trends are followed worldwide. A visit from the most innovative U.S. state may be just the catalyst for China-U.S. ties to get back on track.

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