California seeks strong ties despite tensions

Officials from California, the most populous and third-largest state in the United States, said they are committed to maintaining strong relationships with China, despite trade tension between Washington and Beijing.

Jimmy Gomez, a member of the US Congress representing California's 34th district, led a group of 16 state officials and business representatives on a nine-day visit to China that started on Sunday. Beijing was their second stop after Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province.

Gomez emphasized that the trip aims to strengthen ties at the US subnational level with China and continue cooperation in trade, education and cultural exchanges.