California 'proud of relationship with China'

Despite escalating tensions at the federal level, some officials from California said the US-China trade conflict is hurting the economy in the southern part of the state, and they expressed the desire for continuing ties with China.

"It's important, particularly at this time, to remind people that California is open to China, and California wants to be cooperative with China. California wants to continue to have cultural ties and trade ties with China," said Anthony Rendon, speaker of the California state Assembly, on Sept 26.

Rendon, who represents the 63rd District, in southeastern Los Angeles County, said the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, major gateways for US-Asia trade, are both close to his district and that trade conflicts are especially harmful for California because its economy is heavily dependent on international trade.

"In California, we are proud of our relationship with China, and we want to make sure that we continue to be open to have good relationship with China," Rendon said.

A 10 percent US tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports took effect on Sept 24. One week previously, US President Donald Trump said in a statement he would raise the tariff to 25 percent starting in January.

In response, China placed tariffs on $60 billion worth of US imports, which also took effect on Sept 24.

Rendon was among a number of US and Chinese officials, as well as representatives from private and public sectors, who recently attended a reception, hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Zhang Ping, Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, spoke in an opening speech about the development of China after its reform and opening-up 40 years ago, but also touched on the current trade friction between China and US. He said that China is California's largest trading partner and its third-largest export destination for goods.

"Among the American states, California has attracted the most Chinese investment and tourists and has the biggest number of international students from China, illustrating the mutually beneficial nature of China-US economic and trade relations and demonstrating the vigor and vitality of subnational cooperation," Zhang said.

Among the guests at the reception were various state and local officials, including California Assembly members Laura Friedman and Ed Chau, as well as Nina Hachigian, Los Angeles deputy mayor for international affairs.

Many guests offered their congratulations on China's anniversary and welcomed continual friendship between the two countries.

Hachigian said China and Los Angeles share many interests, and that "there's no denying the impact the Chinese and the Chinese-American communities have had on our city".

Chau said the trade conflict not only hurt businesspeople who trade with China, but ultimately also consumers, who have to pay higher prices for products.

Chau said he's hopeful that the conflict will end soon.