Is Newsom’s China Deal Just Business or CCP Influence?

A new report by Newsweek on a California partnership with China is the latest example of China’s strategy to circumvent Washington and exert influence at the local and state level. 

The “Bay to Bay” partnership with China links the San Francisco Bay Area with China’s Greater Bay Area, a massive economic zone that includes Hong Kong and Shenzhen. According to the Newsweek report, the Bay Area Council claims that the partnership is purely financial. However, the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation is warning that it resembles China’s “sister city” strategy, which it uses to expand its soft power secretly. 

The House Select Committee on China’s warns this partnership is the CCP‘seeking influence where vigilance is often lowest.’”   

“California has long been a top target. That’s why our Committee sent a bipartisan letter warning mayors and governors about these risks,” a House Select Committee on China spokesperson told Newsweek. . “We continue to advocate for stronger guardrails to ensure these relationships aren’t exploited to undermine American values or compromise local institutions.”

The committee emphasized California’s unique vulnerability, noting that its economic and cultural significance places it squarely in the CCP’s sights. It urged local leaders to prioritize robust safeguards to protect democratic integrity and prevent the exploitation of community ties.

 At a time when other while states like Texas are enacting legislation to curb such foreign influence, California should we warned against moving in the opposite direction and exposing residents, businesses, elected officials and communities to new threats. Is this just business or Beijing’s back door?