Minnesota Governor’s China Trips Raise Questions for Biden-Harris and Pentagon

Pentagon

The Biden-Harris administration and Pentagon face mounting scrutiny over Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s frequent travels to China, raising questions about transparency and national security.

At a Glance

  • The Biden-Harris Pentagon is non-responsive to queries regarding Governor Walz’s numerous trips to China.
  • Military personnel usually need to report or get permission for overseas travel to countries hostile to the U.S.
  • Governor Walz has visited China approximately 30 times, many during his military service.
  • Uncertainty surrounds whether Walz reported these trips or held a security clearance.
  • The Pentagon has not addressed inquiries from Congress regarding this issue.

Biden-Harris Administration and Pentagon Under Fire

The Biden-Harris administration and the Pentagon are under scrutiny for not being transparent with Congress and the press regarding Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s frequent travels to China. Walz’s numerous visits have raised alarms among legislators and the media, prompting questions about undisclosed intentions and the potential security threats they pose. This concern highlights the need for increased government transparency and strict monitoring of international activities conducted by public officials.

The Biden-Harris Pentagon is refusing to answer questions from Congress and the media on Democrat vice-presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz’s (D-MN) frequent travel to China — which poses risks for members of the military and raises questions of whether or not Walz reported these trips to the Army National Guard while he was serving.

Walz traveled to China about 30 times, many of which were during his time in the Army National Guard. During these years, military members typically needed to report such travel for security clearance, especially to a country like China, seen as hostile to U.S. interests. The Pentagon has not responded to House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee Chairman Jim Banks’ inquiries for detailed information from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the acting chief of the National Guard Army. This non-response has only intensified concerns.

Governor Walz’s Repeated China Visits

From 1993 to 2003, Walz embarked on annual visits to China during his post-college years, and he took students along on many of these trips, funded by the Chinese government. Walz’s history with China includes starting a business with his wife to bring American students to China. Despite his frequent travels, it remains unclear if Walz reported these trips to his command or if he held the necessary security clearance throughout his tenure in the Army National Guard.

“Even back then, every trip on your passport needs to be listed on the SF-86,” said the retired NCO, who suggested that not being able to get a security clearance could have played a role in Walz’s sudden retirement from the military.

By 2004, Walz had climbed the ranks to at least a master sergeant before retiring in 2005, potentially due to security clearance issues, as speculated by security experts. During his trips, Walz received funding from the Chinese government, which security clearance expert Sean Bigley emphasized would likely disqualify someone from holding a security clearance. With this in mind, it is perplexing that such crucial information remains undisclosed.

Responses and Implications

The silence from the Pentagon has made waves across political circles. Security experts unanimously agree that Walz’s travel to China during his service should have raised red flags. It has stirred the House Oversight Committee, with Chairman James Comer requesting details from the FBI about Chinese officials Walz interacted with during his travels.

“Republicans will undoubtedly attack Walz for his earlier experiences in China — which are more extensive than most previous presidential and vice presidential nominees — and have already started doing so,” said Austin Strange, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Hong Kong.

Governor Walz’s criticism of China’s human rights record contrasts with his calls for cooperation, adding to the controversy. As the nation faces a crucial presidential campaign, Walz’s history and ongoing scrutiny might influence his political journey and reflect on broader foreign policy stances, including that of Vice President Kamala Harris.

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