The recent US debate was not kind to Joe Biden. The president’s lackluster performance has prompted discussions about potential replacements, with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s name gaining particular traction.
This scenario has already found considerable favor in China. There are compelling reasons why Newsom’s ascension could be beneficial for both US-China relations and the broader global economy.
Chinese social media has been abuzz with discussions about Newsom. Images and videos of the governor, who made a significant impression during his visit to China last year, have been widely shared.
A notable clip of Newsom reiterating his support for Biden as the Democratic nominee had garnered 90,000 views on China’s Weibo platform at the time of writing. Particular comments have reflected admiration for Newsom’s “presidential temperament” and his “impeccable qualifications” for leadership.
Last October, Newsom met with President Xi Jinping in the Chinese capital, marking the first such meeting with a US state governor in six years. During the visit, Newsom lauded Beijing’s advancements as beneficial for global progress and pushed for cooperative efforts on climate change.
This approach underscores Newsom’s understanding of the interconnected nature of global economies and the critical need for collaborative solutions to pressing global issues.
Henry Wang, founder of the Center for China and Globalization, describes Newsom as a “pragmatic and balanced politician.”
Wang emphasized that the governor’s perspective could bring a level-headed approach to US-China relations, which have been dangerously strained over Taiwan and the Biden administration’s technological restrictions, including on high-end chips and chip-making equipment.
Newsom’s ability to focus on common goals rather than differences would, I am confident, help de-escalate US-China tensions and promote mutual growth.
California’s robust economy and significant Chinese-American population give Newsom a unique insight into the benefits of strong business ties with China.
This understanding positions him well to advocate for policies that nurture economic collaboration. Strengthening these ties could lead to increased trade, investment opportunities and job creation on both sides of the Pacific.
Newsom’s visit to China came at a critical juncture in US-China relations. Amid ongoing disputes, he demonstrated his diplomatic acumen, which if carried on as future president would help build more stable and constructive relations with China.
Moreover, Newsom’s proven ability to engage positively with Beijing would have far-reaching implications for global stability. A more collaborative US-China relationship would not only reduce geopolitical tensions but also enhance global economic growth.
How so? Improved relations could lead to the reduction or elimination of tariffs and other trade barriers, facilitating smoother trade flows between the world’s two largest economies.
Better relations would also nurture increased bilateral investments, with businesses from each country more willing to invest in the other, boosting economic growth and job creation.
Cooperation in tech and innovation in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence and healthcare would boost investor confidence and therefore markets.
Closer ties would also lead to more efficient and resilient supply chains, reducing disruptions, distortions and costs. This is especially important in a world where supply chains are highly interconnected and reliant on both US and Chinese manufacturing and logistics capabilities.
Moreover, improved relations would contribute to more stable exchange rates, reducing the risks associated with currency fluctuations for businesses engaged in international trade.
Newsom’s pragmatic approach to international relations, coupled with his proven track record in California, suggests he could effectively navigate the complexities of global politics.
His emphasis on cooperation over confrontation aligns with the needs of a globalized world, where collective action is essential for addressing challenges like climate change, economic inequality and public health crises.
To my mind, Newsom’s potential rise to the presidency as a replacement for Biden could be a welcome game-changer for US-China relations and the global economy. His popularity in China, strategic insights and balanced perspective make him an ideal candidate to lead the US into a new era of international cooperation.
The global economy would stand to benefit from his possible leadership.
Right on. Newsom understands that California, now having the largest port of entry for Asian and particularly Chinese goods, has benefitted immensely from China trade. Ditto for much of the west coast states. He also understands that joint ventures with US/Chinese companies could be far better for the world economy than confrontation. Consider if the US had developed a jv with China’s new Silk Road venture rather than outright opposition, how much further along the third world would be.