In a strange P.R. video, Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calf., is seen tackling a Chinese child at a photo op and slapping him on the back while they play basketball.
It’s the latest from Newsom’s weeklong tour of China, which he took amid rumors of a looming Democratic presidential primary campaign.
Newsom’s trip as governor is also drawing attention as it comes after years of heightening tensions between the U.S. and China.
Take a look at the P.R. stunt gone wrong that ends with him tackling and slapping the young Chinese basketball player. Amid gasps by the gathered journalists, Newsom tries to laugh off the embarrassing scene —
Gavin Newsom tackles a little Chinese kid, grabs him and spanks him.
So creepy 😬
Perfect replacement for Joe Biden.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 29, 2023
Newsom kicked off the tour with a surprise meeting with leader Xi Jinping in Beijing last Wednesday after being warmly welcomed by other senior Chinese Communist Party leaders.
“I’m here in expectation, as you suggest, of turning the page, of renewing our friendship and reengaging [on] foundational and fundamental issues that will determine our collective faith in the future,” Newsom said in brief opening remarks ahead of his meeting with Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat.
Though Newsom was in China to promote cooperation in curbing climate change, Chinese officials took the opportunity in welcome speeches ahead of the closed-door meetings to talk about U.S.-China relations.
Xi is expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco next month and meet with U.S. President Joe Biden, although China has not formally confirmed his attendance.
Newsom trip included visits to Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu.
Wang, the head of the Communist Party’s office of foreign affairs, said he knows Newsom’s trip attracted plenty of critics but that he views the trip positively.
“But I think time and facts will certainly prove that your visit to China is in line with California people’s wishes and in line with the American people’s interests and the expectations of the global society.”
Newsom also met Wednesday with Vice President Han Zheng, who greeted him with a wide smile and called him an “old friend.” Han is a past member of the Politburo Standing Committee, an elite group of leaders within the communist party.
“The China-U.S. relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, and the sub-national cooperation is an indispensable part to facilitate the sound and steady growth of China-U.S. relations,” Han said. “I’m sure your weeklong trip will inject positive energy into the development of the China-U.S. relationship.”
The Horn editorial team and the Associated Press contributed to this article