Newsom touts longstanding climate partnerships in Hong Kong, on first day of China tour

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) reinforced his state’s commitment to collaborating with China on climate issues on the first day of his trip to the country on Monday.

“The long-standing partnership — and competition — between California and China has led to measurable progress,” Newsom said in a statement at the end of that day. 

The governor, who spent Monday at Hong Kong University, referred to California-China collaborations on electrifying ports, cleaning up smog and other air pollution and developing innovative technologies.

Newsom’s six-day trip to China — delayed slightly by an impromptu visit to Israel on Friday — will focus on cementing concrete climate partnerships, promoting economic development and tourism and fostering cultural exchanges.

Stops in addition to Hong Kong are expected to include the electric vehicle hub of Guangdong, the capital city of Beijing, renewable energy leader Jiangsu and Shanghai, where he intends to tour Tesla’s gigafactory.

“This visit is an opportunity to share our successes, learn from one another and continue driving an ambitious climate agenda,” Newsom said on Monday.

At Hong Kong University, the governor engaged in a fireside chat with Peng Gong, vice president and pro vice chancellor of the institution — which Newsom’s office credited for its capacity to help shape government policies.

Comparing Hong Kong Univeristy’s importance with that of the University of California system, Newsom voiced his hopes that the next generation would be able to make a dent in solving the climate crisis.

Similar to California, Hong Kong sits on the front lines of the climate crisis, and just last month, experienced its biggest hourly rainfall since records began in 1984, Newsom’s office noted.

Hong Kong has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, while California has similar plans for 2045.

Gong, the university vice president, emphasized the urgency of both climate research and education, as well as “the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing,” in a statement issued after the meeting. 

“By uniting leading climate scientists and experts, we hope to foster a healthier, more sustainable planet for all,” Gong added.