The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer has initiated a probe into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s extensive engagement with China and CCP entities. This investigation addresses concerns about potential foreign influence on U.S. political figures. Comer demands documentation and information from FBI Director Christopher Wray to understand the depth of Walz’s connections with CCP-affiliated groups and officials.
The concerns stem from Walz’s numerous trips to China, believed to be around 30 visits, and his long standing relationships with various Chinese institutions. These connections include his time as a fellow at Macau Polytechnic University, an institution linked to the CCP. The scrutiny also highlights Walz’s involvement in events with CCP-linked individuals, including a major convention for the U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association.
Peter Schweizer: Tim Walz Tied to Chinese 'Secret Police Stations' That Kidnap CCP Critics https://t.co/C5sE7bE3xf
— Peter Schweizer (@peterschweizer) August 14, 2024
Foreign Influence and National Security Implications
One of the critical aspects of the investigation is the potential foreign influence on Governor Walz’s decision-making. With Walz being a Democratic vice-presidential nominee, any suggestion of undue CCP influence raises significant national security concerns. Comer’s request for FBI briefings and documents aims to uncover the extent of Walz’s engagements and whether any warnings were issued regarding his interactions with Chinese officials.
“The CCP has sought to destroy the United States through coordinated influence and infiltration campaigns that target every aspect of American life, including our own elected officials. Americans should be deeply concerned that Governor Walz, Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential running mate, has a longstanding and cozy relationship with China. Mr. Walz has visited China dozens of times, served as a fellow at a Chinese institution that maintains a devotion to the CCP, and spoke alongside the President of a Chinese organization the State Department exposed as a CCP effort to influence and co-opt local leaders. FBI briefers recently informed the Committee that the Bureau’s Foreign Influence Task Force investigates CCP activity that is similar to China’s engagement with Governor Walz. The American people deserve to fully understand how deep Governor Walz’s relationship with China goes,” said Chairman James Comer. – Source
Walz’s history with China spans decades, dating back to 1993 when he organized a trip for high school students to the country, funded by the Chinese government. Walz also established Educational Travel Adventures, Inc., a company coordinating student trips to China until its dissolution in 2007, shortly after he took office in Congress. Despite his criticism of China’s human rights record, these longstanding connections raise questions about his role and potential foreign influence.
Broader Context of Chinese Political Warfare
The investigation into Walz is part of a larger effort by the Committee to understand the Chinese Communist Party’s political warfare operations against the United States. These operations reportedly aim to co-opt local leaders to push the PRC’s global agenda, a significant concern amid rising geopolitical tensions. Comer’s focus on transparency and accountability is crucial to ensuring that U.S. political systems remain free from foreign interference.
“The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is conducting a government-wide investigation into the Chinese Communist Party’s political warfare operations against America and the response from federal agencies,” Chairman James Comer stated. – Source
Governor Walz’s campaign, however, has not emphasized his extensive China experience, focusing more on his Midwestern background and roles as a teacher and coach. This approach leaves many questions unanswered regarding the depth of his ties to China. The lack of response from the Harris-Walz campaign on this matter further fuels the controversy.