US politician looks to drum up business

John Chiang, candidate for governor of California, builds on ties with China

After taking a stroll in downtown Beijing, John Chiang was impressed with the long lines of colorful shared bicycles he saw shining in the summer sun.

Chiang, a candidate for governor of California, is in China on a trip with elected officials and entrepreneurs from the US state to build relations and seek cooperation opportunities.

"This morning we took a 3-mile (4.8 km) walk ... and saw the bicycles," he said. "Some US cities have started to work on that. We like the idea. We'll see which business models will work."

Ofo, the Chinese shared-bike company, has plans to enter the California market, and Chiang said officials in Los Angeles are trying to encourage more bicycle use to improve people's physical health, save energy costs and protect the environment.

Electric car maker BYD is also involved in California and is trying to expand its footprint to develop relationships with other businesses there, he added.

"We hope California will be the priority choice for Chinese companies going abroad," he said. "The new economy is global," he said, adding that California, whose economy is heavily dependent on diversity, "certainly wants to be well positioned to build stronger friendships and fellowships".

Chiang, who is state treasurer but hopes to become the first person of Chinese origin to be elected governor of California next year, said he wants to make his state into the best partner for China's new economy models and emerging industries.

"Humans are humans, we all have the same issues. ... We are stronger together," added Chiang, who was born in New York to a family of migrants from Taiwan in 1962.

More Chinese investment has flowed into California than any other US state, with billions of dollars going to industries such as new energy, entertainment and real estate every year.

Chinese companies invested a record $46 billion in the United States last year, triple the amount in 2015, with $26.7 billion going to California, according to a report released in May by the Rhodium Group and the National Committee on US-China Relations.

Chiang expects his Chinese origins will help in the gubernatorial election.

"Hopefully, people can recognize that what we learned and the perspectives we provide will help govern California better," he said.

The visit, organized by the US Sino Friendship Association and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, is partially focused on transportation, infrastructure and healthcare facilities.

lixiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 07/31/2017 page2)