Following Tim Walz’s selection as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Republicans swiftly launched accusations that he is overly sympathetic toward China. Richard Grenell, former U.S. ambassador to Germany, and Senator Tom Cotton have both criticized Walz, with Grenell claiming he is “pro-China” and Cotton questioning his 35-year relationship with the country.
Republican critics have pointed to a 2016 video where Walz suggested that the U.S. and China need not maintain an “adversarial relationship.” However, a detailed review of Walz’s record reveals a more complex stance.
Walz’s connection to China dates back to 1989, when he participated in a Harvard University volunteer program teaching American history and English at Foshan No. 1 High School. He later co-founded a business with his wife Gwen, organizing educational trips to China, a venture that lasted over a decade and saw Walz return to China about 30 times.
Despite this extensive personal history, Walz has demonstrated a notably hawkish stance toward the Chinese government, particularly concerning human rights issues. As a congressman, he was an active member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, a body dedicated to monitoring Chinese human rights abuses. His advocacy included meeting with high-profile critics of the Chinese government, such as the Dalai Lama and Joshua Wong, a prominent Hong Kong democracy activist.
Walz also played a crucial role in supporting the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, which imposed sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials responsible for human rights violations during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Jeffrey Ngo, a democracy activist, praised Walz’s commitment to the bill, noting that Walz was one of the few Democrats willing to champion the legislation.
Chinese social media reactions to Walz’s nomination have been mixed. Some users have expressed hope that Walz’s background could foster improved U.S.-China relations and promote cultural exchanges. Others have noted the significance of the year 1989, when Walz was teaching in China during the Tiananmen Square massacre, which he has publicly condemned. His personal and public responses to the events of that year reflect a strong condemnation of the Chinese government’s actions.
In summary, while Walz’s early personal connections with China are well-documented, his congressional record indicates a robust stance against Chinese human rights abuses. This nuanced history complicates the straightforward portrayal of Walz as pro-China.
