Publication: China Global Television Network
The Second China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened on November 5, offering a window for the world with a fast-growing Chinese market. Besides cooperation on the federal level, sub-national cooperation lays an important foundation for cross-border trade.
At the Shanghai expo, politicians and business leaders from the U.S. state of California are trying to take matters into their own hands. CGTN Senior Correspondent Tian Wei sat down with Phil Ting, California State Assembly Member, who leads the Californian delegation at this year's Expo with a clear message: While Washington puts up a wall, California is building bridges between China and the U.S.
"In Washington right now, there are certain efforts to build walls. In California, we build bridges. We continue to welcome not just people from around the country, but people from around the world to come to California. We have a pavilion at the Expo because we want to send a strong message to our friends in China that we continue to have a strong relationship." said Phil Ting.
California, which accounts for one-eighth of American GDP, has been hit hard by the cooling trade relations between Beijing and Washington. The ripple effects reverberate throughout the state economy in a myriad of ways.