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On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, spotlighting hopes for strengthened US-China cooperation on climate change ahead of upcoming global gatherings.

After the meeting, Newsom emphasized the depth of their discussions on climate matters, while also touching upon topics like Israel and the pressing issue of the drug fentanyl.

Expressing the urgency of collaborative action, Newsom stated, “We’re not going to move the needle on climate change unless the United States and China collaborate together.” Acknowledging the complexities in the relationship between the world’s leading greenhouse gas contributors, he noted that both nations can navigate these “strategic red lines.”

China’s state broadcaster reported Xi’s optimism about the potential of joint green initiatives, seeing climate change as a potential “new bright spot” for US-China relations. However, climate collaboration has seen disruptions in recent times, with China emphasizing that climate talks cannot be segregated from the overarching diplomatic and trade frictions.

Governor Newsom’s week in China was packed with engagements, including visits to Hong Kong and Shenzhen and interactions with key Chinese officials. Newsom also signed a memorandum with China’s National Development and Reform Commission, focusing on climate cooperation.

This comes as a meeting between Xi and President Joe Biden is anticipated at the APEC summit in San Francisco next month.