In May, as Gene Seroka, CEO of the Port of Los Angeles, publicly criticized then-President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China through various high-profile media interviews, he received a surprising and supportive email from Wang Wei, the wife of Chinese Consul General Guo Shaochun. Wang expressed admiration for Seroka’s comments, describing them as “practical, well-reasoned, and very convincing.” She referenced his appearances on networks like Fox News, CNN, and CNBC, and thanked him for advocating for US-China trade cooperation.

Seroka responded the following day, thanking Wang for her message and affirming his commitment to supporting global trade. He wrote, “There is so much we need to do together,” reflecting a pro-engagement stance even amid increasing US-China tensions.

These email exchanges, obtained by Al Jazeera through a public records request, provide an unusual glimpse into informal Chinese diplomatic efforts during the US-China trade conflict, particularly when the Trump administration’s tariffs had most severely targeted Beijing. While China officially condemned Trump’s trade measures as “protectionist” and “unilateral bullying,” this personal message from a diplomat’s spouse revealed behind-the-scenes praise for American voices opposing the tariffs.

During the same week as the emails, the Port of Los Angeles — the busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere — reported a 35% drop in cargo volume compared to the previous year. This underscored the tangible economic impact of the ongoing tariff war and added context to Seroka’s public comments, in which he has long argued that “no one wins” in prolonged trade conflicts.

When contacted by Al Jazeera, Seroka defended the exchange with Wang as part of his typical professional responsibilities. He emphasized his international experience, having lived in China and other Pacific Rim nations, and said he maintains numerous global business relationships aimed at supporting trade through the Port of Los Angeles. He noted that Wang was “one of many” contacts and that the communication was in the course of promoting port business.

While the US federal government has become increasingly wary of Chinese trade practices, state and local officials — particularly those whose jurisdictions benefit from international commerce, like ports — often adopt a more pragmatic, business-friendly approach. Such dynamics highlight the divide between federal and local views on trade with China.

Events like the US-China Sister Cities Summit held in Tacoma, Washington, illustrate continued engagement at the subnational level. However, such interactions have drawn federal scrutiny. In 2022, the US National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) issued a warning that China may exploit local-level relationships to influence national policy and advance its geopolitical interests. The NCSC has also cautioned against Chinese investments in US tech startups and has raised concerns about Chinese intelligence agencies disguising themselves as think tanks to recruit current and former US officials.

While it’s not uncommon for foreign diplomats to engage with local officials and business leaders, experts say it is highly unusual for diplomats' family members to weigh in on policy issues. A former Western diplomat in China, speaking anonymously to Al Jazeera, said such involvement is rare unless there is an already established personal relationship. Even in informal settings, he noted, spouses typically avoid commenting directly on policy matters with host country counterparts.

This incident sheds light on the subtleties of diplomacy amid a major global trade dispute, revealing how even unofficial channels can play a role in shaping perceptions and fostering relationships.