President Xi Jinping meets with California Governor Jerry Brown of the United States at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Xi encouraged the state to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. [Photo by WU ZHIYI/CHINA DAILY]

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on California to play a bigger role in promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States.

He said he hoped California could continue to promote bilateral exchanges between localities and contribute more to China-US cooperation in areas including technology, innovation and green development.

Xi made the remarks in his meeting with visiting California Governor Jerry Brown at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Brown said California was willing to join the construction of Belt and Road, and was looking forward to a stronger cooperative relationship with China in trade, investment, clean technology and environmental protection.

Xi welcomed California to join the Belt and Road Initiative.