California Governor Gavin Newsom's approach to climate change and his engagements with China have drawn criticism, with accusations that his policies have benefited China's strategic interests while diminishing California's energy independence.
Newsom, who has expressed aspirations for a White House run in 2028, has publicly criticized the United States' approach to climate change and has advocated for increased global cooperation. However, critics contend that his administration's climate policies, particularly those involving China, have inadvertently strengthened Beijing's influence.
"China is not screwing around," Newsom stated on X, formerly Twitter, in reference to global supply chains and manufacturing. "The United States has become a footnote... As California doubles down on our low-carbon green growth efforts, the Trump admin is doubling down on stupid."
Critics argue that Newsom's eight-year tenure has seen a decline in California's oil industry, with the state losing a quarter of its refineries. This shift, they claim, has made California more reliant on foreign oil and susceptible to Chinese strategic interests. The state's commitment to electric vehicles, with a ban on new gasoline-powered car sales set for 2035, is seen by some as dependent on technologies that require rare minerals, many of which are controlled by China.
Newsom has made multiple trips to China to discuss climate initiatives. In 2023, he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and in April 2024, dispatched cabinet secretaries to China for talks in Shanghai and the provinces of Guangdong and Hainan. His delegation held discussions in Hong Kong, an act criticized for lending California's prestige to Beijing amid concerns over the city's democratic freedoms.
Subsequent meetings have occurred between California and Chinese provincial officials at the University of California, Berkeley, under the auspices of the California-China Climate Institute. These gatherings have focused on advancing subnational climate cooperation between the two largest greenhouse gas emitters.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the involvement of California officials in organizations linked to China's influence operations. Amy Tong, Newsom's secretary of state operations, attended international conferences co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). U.S. intelligence agencies have identified CPAFFC as an entity involved in China's foreign influence operations, potentially pushing Beijing's political priorities.
While California aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption, China continues to expand its coal-fueled electricity generation, with a significant number of coal power plants contributing to global carbon emissions. Critics suggest that Newsom's focus on green technology and cooperation with China overlooks the scale of China's own carbon emissions.
Newsom has also faced criticism for his remarks at international climate conferences, where he has at times sharply criticized the previous U.S. administration's approach to climate diplomacy. He has also drawn parallels between former President Trump and authoritarian leaders, while simultaneously being accused of mismanaging California's economy.