Fact-Checking Claims: Is Tim Walz Really Pro-China?

Sophie -

Tim Walz, recently chosen as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, has faced immediate accusations from Republican figures labeling him as "pro-China." These assertions, emerging shortly after Walz's selection, have been voiced by prominent Republican figures, including Donald Trump's former ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, and Senator Tom Cotton. They cite Walz's extensive ties with China, stretching over three decades, as evidence of his pro-China stance. But how valid are these claims? A closer look at Walz's record reveals a more nuanced picture.

The Accusations

Richard Grenell took to Twitter/X, asserting that "Communist China is very happy" with Walz’s candidacy, branding him as a "Marxist." Tom Cotton demanded an explanation for Walz’s "35-year relationship with Communist China." The MAGA War Room, a major pro-Trump account on X, circulated a 2016 video where Walz mentioned that the U.S. and China need not have an "adversarial relationship."

Walz's Record with China

Walz's connection to China indeed spans decades. His journey began in 1989 when he participated in Harvard University's WorldTeach program, teaching American history and English at Foshan No. 1 High School in southern China. Walz continued this engagement, organizing annual educational trips to China with his wife, Gwen, through their business, Educational Travel Adventures. Despite returning to China around 30 times, Walz’s interactions were primarily educational and cultural.

A Hawk on Human Rights

Contrary to the accusations, Walz's record in Congress paints him as a critic of the Chinese government, especially on human rights issues. His actions include:

  • Supporting Hong Kong: Walz strongly backed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which sanctioned Chinese and Hong Kong officials for human rights abuses during democracy protests.
  • Meeting Dissidents: Walz met the Dalai Lama and high-profile Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong, both of whom are viewed unfavorably by the Chinese government.
  • Commemorating Tiananmen: He co-sponsored a resolution in 2009 marking the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre and chose June 4th, the date of the crackdown, as his wedding anniversary to remember the event.

China's Perspective

Walz's presence on the Democratic ticket has sparked interest on Chinese social media. Some view his background as a potential for better U.S.-China ties, while others remain skeptical, noting his criticism of the Chinese government. His teaching stint in China during the Tiananmen Square massacre has particularly resonated, highlighting his long-standing awareness of Chinese political issues.

Chinese Factor in American Politics

China's growing global influence has made its relations with the U.S. a significant political issue. Accusations of being "pro-China" or "anti-China" are common in American politics, used to question a candidate's national security stance and foreign policy intentions. This backdrop underscores the political strategy of linking opponents to China, reflecting broader concerns about economic competition, human rights, and geopolitical power.

Conclusion

While Republicans have quickly moved to weaponize Walz’s long-standing ties with China, his record suggests a more complex relationship. His extensive engagement with China has been primarily educational and cultural, coupled with a clear stance on human rights issues. As the election season progresses, the narrative around Walz’s connection to China will likely continue to evolve, influenced by both his past actions and the broader political discourse.