Gavin Newsom was given a surprise audience with Chinese leader Xi Jinping when he visited Beijing on Wednesday, after being warmly welcomed by other senior leaders of the Chinese Communist Party.
It was a welcome that stood in stark contrast to the official dialogue between Beijing and Washington in recent years.
Relations between the world’s two largest economies are currently at a low ebb over a host of issues, including China’s aggression toward Taiwan, its activities in the South China Sea, trade and human rights.
Still, Newsom, the Democratic California governor, said his meeting with Xi had been “remarkably positive.”
His appearance on the world stage came as speculation mounted that he could be a potential successor to Joe Biden if the 80-year-old ultimately decides not to accept the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024.
Newsom has repeatedly ruled himself out as a candidate.
However, the visit to China was the last profile move by the 56-year-old governor.
He has already joined Donald Trump’s Truth Social network to debate conservatives, attended a Republican primary debate to argue the Democrats’ case and challenged Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, to a televised debate.
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