While progressives have long labeled former President Donald Trump as a stooge for Russia, a more pressing question emerges regarding the preferences of China's President Xi Jinping for the next U.S. leader. Unlike Russian President Vladimir Putin, Xi possesses significant financial resources, deep ties to business elites, and advanced technical capabilities to advance his geopolitical agenda, making his influence a topic of heightened concern.
California Governor Gavin Newsom appears poised to be President Xi's top choice in the 2028 U.S. presidential race. This assessment comes amid shifting dynamics in American politics, particularly following President Joe Biden's widely criticized performance during his June 2024 presidential debate against Trump.
Immediately after the debate, major international outlets reported Beijing's favorable view of Newsom as the ideal successor to the aging Biden. Publications including Asia Times, South China Morning Post, Bloomberg, and Business Insider highlighted this sentiment, noting China's interest in the California governor as a potential replacement.
Newsom's appeal in China stems from his image as a capable alternative to the current U.S. leadership landscape. Sources indicate he is perceived there as offering a steady hand amid domestic challenges.
In China, Governor Newsom is widely regarded as “a fresh but also positive and more sober-minded politician in the U.S.” This characterization underscores Beijing's strategic calculations for future U.S.-China relations, contrasting sharply with the rhetoric surrounding Trump's alleged Russian ties.
The timing of these reports, just after Biden's June 2024 debate stumble, amplified speculation about Newsom's rising profile on the global stage. As Xi leverages his economic and technological advantages, Newsom's positioning could play a pivotal role in shaping bilateral dynamics leading into 2028.
