US States Seek Own China Ties as Trade Uncertainty Persists

As US-China relations lurch between escalation and detente, some local American officials are pursuing their own diplomacy to secure access to the world’s second-largest market.

Driven by fears of losing exports due to the geopolitical rivalry, regional leaders including those from the states of Washington and Oregon have visited China in recent weeks and met with Chinese officials. They aim to preserve local jobs by maintaining ties now, betting on an eventual rebound or hedging against future fallout.

“When things calm down, which I believe that they will, having this partnership and relationships in advance ...