By Ezekiel David
In a recent move to scrutinise Tim Walz’s China ties, Congressman Jim Banks has urged Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to investigate the Democratic vice-presidential nominee’s travel to China during his time in the National Guard.
Banks’ letter, sent on Tuesday, raises concerns that Walz may not have complied with foreign travel reporting requirements during his service in the Nebraska and Minnesota National Guards.
Banks expressed doubts that Walz’s superiors were unaware of his frequent trips to China, suggesting that Walz might not have fully disclosed his travel.
According to the letter, Walz, who served in the National Guard’s army branch for 24 years, likely held a “secret-level” security clearance, which would have required him to report any foreign travel.
Walz has previously stated that he travelled to China around 30 times, with some trips possibly occurring during his military service.
The Pentagon has confirmed that Austin will respond to Banks’ letter “in due course.” Banks, who serves on the House Armed Services and select committees on China, warned that Walz’s repeated personal trips to China while holding a security clearance posed a potential security risk.
He also questioned Walz’s comments in 2016, where he suggested the US and China could cooperate, describing them as indicative of a “concerning affinity” for China.
Despite these concerns, Walz has a history of scrutinising China’s human rights record, having served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and co-sponsored the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2017.
Following his selection as Kamala Harris’s running mate, Walz received praise from Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jeffrey Ngo for his commitment to human rights.
The Republicans focus on Walz’s China connections as US lawmakers are divided on engagement with China, especially amid rising tensions. While some view Walz’s extensive experience with China as an asset, others, like Banks, see it as a potential liability.
Walz has yet to respond to the latest criticisms but has defended his military service in recent campaign events.
(Source: South China Morning Post)