Newsom Administration Allegedly Conducts Private Business Meetings with Chinese Government Officials

California Officials Discuss Trade with Chinese Counterparts

California’s Gavin Newsom administration engaged in talks about trade cooperation with Chinese officials on Monday, coinciding with the approach of the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, as revealed in documents reviewed by the National Review.

The discussions took place before the annual China and California Business Forum, a summit organized by the Chinese Consulate. It serves as a networking platform for local and state politicians to connect with their Chinese counterparts. According to the National Review, the conference guidelines indicated a series of “private bilateral meetings” under a broader framework titled “Cooperative Working Group of Trade and Investment Cooperation on the Bilateral Conference in China and the US California Joint Working Group.”

“Governor Newsom has positioned himself as a significant figure in the U.S. aligning with Xi Jinping,” stated the founder and CEO of a state armor organization. “California’s approach risks undermining national security by fostering ties with Chinese entities that have military and intelligence connections while also attempting to build resilient supply chains with U.S. allies.”

The individual also expressed concern, saying, “It’s beyond comprehension that California would try to uphold its values while engaging with entities linked to genocide and other serious global issues.”

The California Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment was established back in 2012 during former Democratic Governor Jerry Brown’s tenure.

Documents from the conference reportedly did not list specific participants, noting that only working group members and “Select Apresives” attended the smaller sessions. California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin was present at the opening ceremony, although it remains unclear whether he joined any smaller meetings.

Other attendees included Christine Peterson, who is involved with international trade matters for Mayor Karen Bass, alongside representatives from the Chinese government. The Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles emphasized that the forum functioned as a vital platform for policy dialogue and economic cooperation between China and California.

State officials have consistently attended these events, including the deputy director of the California Lieutenant Governor’s office, who met with Jiangsu’s lieutenant governor during the 2023 forum.

This year’s event was backed by prominent Chinese enterprises, including BYD and several airlines and banks, plus government agencies like China’s National Tourism Bureau.

Governor Newsom has been actively strengthening ties with China, having visited the country in October 2023 to discuss climate action and partnerships between two of the world’s largest economies. This was also in the context of an upcoming visit from Chinese leader Xi Jinping to San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.