House Republicans, led by Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer, are intensifying their probe into Governor Tim Walz's longstanding connections with China. As Walz emerges as Kamala Harris' vice presidential pick, his past interactions with Chinese entities have come under sharp focus, raising questions about potential influence from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on his decision-making.
Comer has issued a hard deadline for the FBI to provide documents and communications related to Walz's alleged ties to China. The Kentucky Republican's request is part of an ongoing investigation that seeks to uncover any potential risks stemming from Walz's connections to China. Comer's letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray underscores concerns about Walz's susceptibility to what he describes as the CCP's strategy of "elite capture," aimed at co-opting influential figures in American political, cultural, and academic circles.
The investigation centers on Walz's extensive history with China, which began in 1989 when he moved to the country to teach English. As one of the first U.S.-sanctioned educators in China, Walz developed a deep connection with the nation, visiting more than 30 times over the years. During his time as a teacher, he and his wife, Gwen Walz, organized student trips to China and even spent their honeymoon there.
Walz's experience in China extended into his political career, where he served six terms in Congress. His involvement included membership in the Congressional Executive Commission on China, a body that monitors human rights issues in the country. He also held meetings with high-profile activists from China, Hong Kong, and Tibet, including the Dalai Lama, whom the Chinese government accuses of being a separatist.
Despite these connections, Walz has been a vocal critic of China's human rights record. He co-sponsored the Hong Kong Human Rights Democracy Act of 2017, legislation that mandates an annual report to Congress assessing Hong Kong's autonomy from China. This stance, however, has not quelled concerns among Republicans, who argue that Walz's ties to China could pose a risk should he be elected vice president.
Comer's letter, dated August 17, specifically requests any documentation regarding Walz's interactions with Chinese entities or individuals. The letter outlines several instances that raise red flags, including Walz's organization of student trips to China in the early 1990s, which were reportedly funded by the Chinese government. Comer also highlights Walz's establishment of a private company, Educational Travel Adventures, Inc., which coordinated trips to China until 2003. The connection, according to Comer, ended only after Walz became a congressional official.
Further fueling the controversy are allegations that Walz traveled to China approximately 30 times and served as a fellow at the Macau Polytechnic University during his time in Congress. In 2019, he headlined the 27th National Convention for the U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association in Minnesota, an event that has now drawn scrutiny.
In response to the investigation, the Harris-Walz campaign has defended Walz's record, accusing Republicans of distorting facts for political gain. Teddy Tschann, a spokesperson for the campaign, dismissed the allegations as desperate attempts to distract from what he termed the "Trump-Vance agenda," which he claimed involved "praising dictators and sending American jobs to China."
"Vice President Harris and Governor Walz will ensure we win the competition with China and will always stand up for our values and interests in the face of China's threats," Tschann stated.
As the FBI's deadline approaches, the agency has confirmed receipt of Comer's letter but declined to comment further. The unfolding investigation comes at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, with Republicans increasingly focusing on anti-China rhetoric, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With regional elections looming and China-U.S. relations a central issue in the political landscape, the scrutiny of Walz's ties to China is likely to intensify. The investigation could have significant implications not only for Walz's vice presidential candidacy but also for the broader geopolitical dynamics between the two superpowers.
