Arnold To Visit China!

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has scheduled a six-day trade mission to China in November, his spokeswoman announced Tuesday.

Press secretary Margita Thompson said the governor would travel to China Nov. 13-18, but an itinerary had not yet been set.

The trip was originally planned for last April, with stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, for the governor to promote California products and increase Chinese investment in the state. It was postponed so Schwarzenegger could devote his attention to qualifying several ballot initiatives for a Nov. 8 special election.

California is the major gateway for U.S. trade to China, with cotton and computer-related products leading the way. The state exported $6.8 billion in goods to China in 2004, double what it exported in 2000, according to the state Chamber of Commerce.

The trip will be Schwarzenegger's fourth official overseas visit on state business since he became governor in November 2003. He traveled to Israel and Germany on his first visit abroad, followed by trips to Japan and Mexico.

A year ago, at the request of President Bush, Schwarzenegger represented the United States at the funeral of former Austrian President Thomas Klestil.

Global Arnold Staff

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