Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s connections with China have raised national security concerns and prompted a call for an investigation by the Pentagon.
Rep. Jim Banks has formally questioned the Pentagon about the potential security risks posed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s numerous trips to China. Banks expressed concerns about Walz’s security clearance and compliance with foreign travel reporting requirements in a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Walz, a Democratic vice presidential pick for Kamala Harris, traveled to China at least a dozen times while serving in the National Guard. Source, Source
Banks highlights Walz’s travels to China between 1989 and 2005, noting that Walz taught in the country during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Senator Banks questioned the appropriateness of Walz’s engagement with Chinese educational institutions and the implications for national security. Walz has visited China 30 times since, and his extensive involvement has prompted scrutiny amid increased tensions between the U.S. and China. Republicans argue Walz is too soft on Beijing and may advance Chinese government interests.
“Rep. Jim Banks probes Tim Walz’s ‘obvious security risk’ in dozen trips to China while serving in National Guard”https://t.co/VPo805MdO9
— Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) August 13, 2024
Walz’s personal interest in China spans nearly his entire adult life, including organizing educational trips to China for American high school students, teaching English in Guangdong, and a Harvard fellowship in the same province. Walz taught in China at 25 during the pivotal Tiananmen Square protests and has been deeply involved in U.S.-China relations since. Despite his involvement, Walz has been a vocal supporter of Tibetan autonomy, pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong, and has met with the Dalai Lama and activist Joshua Wong.
“This investigation is about protecting our national security and ensuring the integrity of our government officials.”
Walz’s history includes serving on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) from 2007 to 2018 and co-sponsoring the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in 2017. However, questions remain about his stance on Taiwan and the South China Sea; Walz has minimally commented on these strategic issues. His approach of distinguishing between a country’s policies and its people highlights his belief in person-to-person interactions, yet this nuanced position continues to fuel GOP criticism.
Tim Walz’s China ties highlighted after VP announcementhttps://t.co/G2o2I8Ce6i
— Voice of America (@VOANews) August 9, 2024
Walz has become a prominent figure in the 2024 election cycle, especially after being announced as Kamala Harris’s running mate. His extensive engagement with China has drawn both endorsement and condemnation. Some Chinese activists and analysts are enthusiastic about Walz due to his experiences in the country. On the other hand, Republicans contend that his stance may be overly sympathetic towards Beijing, raising concerns about his capacity to navigate the complexities of U.S.-China relations.
“Walz believes in person-to-person interactions, significantly influencing his long-term engagement with China.”
Amidst this scrutiny, Walz’s campaign has not detailed specific policies on how he or Kamala Harris would manage China-related issues if they ascend to higher office. His critics accuse him of being reluctant to take a firm stance against Beijing’s policies, while his supporters argue that his understanding of China could be beneficial for diplomacy. The ongoing debate underscores the broader geopolitical tensions and the heightened scrutiny that comes with engaging in international relations.
