Tim Walz’s China History: Helpful or Troublesome for Harris?

Tim Walz is the current governor of Minnesota. He was chosen to be Kamala Harris’s running mate for vice president. Walz has a long background with China which could be both good and bad for the campaign.

Walz’s Time in China

Walz taught English in China in 1989 and 1990. This would make him the first person on a presidential ticket to have lived in China since George H. W. Bush. Walz often speaks highly of the Chinese people, once remarking that they could accomplish much if they only had good leaders.

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Personal Connections to China

Walz got married on the anniversary of a sad event in China called the Tiananmen Square crackdown. In addition to this, he also had lunch with the Dalai Lama, a leader of whom China does not approve. None of them likely made the Chinese government very happy.

Walz’s Work on China in Congress

As a congressman, Walz was part and parcel of making legislatures concerning China. He voted on a bill that seeks to help foster democracy in Hong Kong. Other acts he took part in included those concerning human rights in China. Word on the street has it that Walz can tell a thing or two regarding the matters on China.

Walz’s Evolving Views on China

On China, Walz has nuanced thoughts. He used to believe that the freedoms come with getting rich. He is very strongly worried about human rights in China today. But still, Walz feels the United States can cooperate on some things with China—in farming and climate change.

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Why This Matters

Walz’s experience could therefore be of importance to Harris in understanding China better. It might also be problematic. Some Chinese might not like what he said. Some Republicans in America might also use his words against him.