UPDATE 2 - California ready to cooperate with China in tackling climate change: Governor

ADDS CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S REMARKS, CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Riyaz ul Khaliq and Emre Aytekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - California Governor Gavin Newsom told leaders in Beijing on Wednesday that his state was ready to cooperate with China in addressing climate change.

Newsom’s remarks came after he held a surprise meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the capital Beijing,

His office pointed to the importance of Sino-US relations in connection with the climate crisis in a post on X.

“Divorce is not an option. The only way we can solve the climate crisis is to continue our long-standing cooperation with China."

“As two of the world’s largest economies, the work we do together is felt in countless communities on both sides of the Pacific," it said.

“Despite major differences, we share our humanity – our desire to feel protected, connected and respected is universal – and that humanity is what should drive us to work together to stop the greatest existential threat our planet has ever known," the post said.

“Governor @GavinNewsom made it clear to Chinese leaders that California will remain a stable, strong, and reliable partner, particularly on low-carbon, green growth."

Newsom said he is willing to push California to strengthen exchanges with China and seek closer cooperation in the areas of climate change and new energy.

The meeting came ahead of Xi's possible trip to the US next month to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

In a message sent to the Gala Dinner of the National Committee on US-China Relations held in New York on Tuesday, Xi said Beijing was "ready to work with the US to make mutual progress.”

"China is willing to adhere to the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation to promote mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States, properly manage differences, and work together to respond to global challenges, achieve mutual success and common prosperity, and benefit both countries and the world," he said.

Xi also praised the committee’s active role in promoting exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

If the Chinese leader flies to San Francisco for the APEC summit, he may hold a summit meeting with US President Joe Biden.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be paying a three-day visit to Washington beginning Thursday, where he will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"As two world powers, whether China and the United States can establish a correct way to get along is crucial to world peace and development and the future and destiny of mankind," said Xi.