Tim Walz's China Ties Investigated by Republicans

Tim Walz's ties to China are being probed after the House Oversight Committee launched a new line of investigation on the eve of the vice presidential TV debate.

Kentucky Republican James Comer, who chairs the committee, subpoenaed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday for its records on Walz, after claiming he was concerned that the Democratic politician may have a "connection" to the Chinese Community Party (CCP).

The move came just a day before Walz is due to face-off with JD Vance, the Republicans' pick for vice president, in a televised battle on Tuesday ahead of next month's election. Democratic supporters have mocked Comer's latest inquiry into Walz, suggesting it is a politically-motivated attempt at point scoring designed to damage him ahead of the debate. But Comer has doubled-down on his investigation, arguing it was a legitimate line of inquiry that was sparked by a whistle-blower.

Walz was a teacher before embarking on his political career and he taught in China; visiting the country around 30 times and even honeymooning there with his wife Gwen. However, he has also been critical of the Chinese government's human rights record.

No direct allegation was made by Comer and the committee's press release was vague about what links Walz is feared to have with the Chinese government. Instead, the investigation was framed as an information-gathering exercise at this stage.

The committee said it learned of "a non-classified, Microsoft Teams group chat among DHS employees" that reportedly contained allegations about Walz's links to Chinese officials. Comer said his team have now subpoenaed the DHS for that alleged conversation, as well as any additional reports the DHS may have about Walz with regards to China.

The move was part of an existing government-wide investigation by the committee into concerns the CCP may be trying to infiltrate the U.S. to influence policy and "weaken and corrupt" America, according to the press release. It also follows the committee's announcement of a previous probe into Walz's China links, which Comer launched in August when Walz was first revealed as Harris' running mate.

Quoted on Monday in the statement about the latest probe, Comer said: "The Committee has recently received whistle-blower disclosures informing the Committee of serious concern among Department of Homeland personnel regarding a longstanding connection between the CCP and Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz.

"Specifically, through whistle-blower disclosures, the Committee has learned of a non-classified, Microsoft Teams group chat among DHS employees—titled 'NST NFT Bi-Weekly Sync'—that contains information about Governor Walz that is relevant to the Committee's investigation. The Committee has also learned that further relevant information regarding Governor Walz has been memorialized in both classified and unclassified documents in the control of DHS."

Newsweek has reached out by email to Walz seeking further information and comment.

Walz's team have furiously defended his China record after the committee launched its investigation over the summer. Walz has always stood up to the CCP and has fought for human rights in China and criticized the government there, they said. Spokesperson Teddy Tschann added: "Republicans are twisting basic facts and desperately lying. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz will ensure we win the competition with China, and will always stand up for our values and interests in the face of China's threats."

While the Financial Times quoted Carolyn Bartholomew, former chair of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which stands against human rights abuses in China. She said of Walz: "From his meeting the Dalai Lama to his leadership on Hong Kong, Walz's actions indicate that he has not been sucked in by any [Chinese] propaganda."

News of the new DHS subpoena was also mocked on social media by Democratic supporters. One commentator on X (formerly Twitter), who identifies himself as a Democrat supporter, said: "Tim Walz traveled to China about 30 times, most when he was a teacher working with exchange programs & not as a government official. Every year, there are tens of thousands of Americans who travel to China on a regular basis. Does Comer plan to investigate these people as well?"

While Public Notice newsletter journalist Aaron Rupar said on X: "Comer confirms he's investigating Tim Walz and issuing subpoenas for [checks notes] traveling to China." Rupar had previously dismissed the Republicans' fears as "the latest hot MAGA conspiracy theory—that China groomed Tim Walz to be a CCP sleeper agent."

However, other social media users support the investigation and feel it is important.

One X account, called House Freedom Action, which aims to elect "strong conservative candidates to Congress," wrote: "Tim Walz is a pro-China stooge who honeymooned in Communist China, visited more than 30 times, praised their food, housing, and health care rationing, and admired portraits of Communist tyrant Mao Tse-tung. Trump / Vance are for America First. Harris / Walz are for China First."

Another X user, who identified himself as a "proud redneck," shared a clip of Walz giving a speech in which he described his knowledge of China. "Walz supports communist China," the X user alleged.

Vance, an Ohio senator, is on the ticket supporting former President Donald Trump, while Minnesota Governor Walz is teamed with serving Vice President Kamala Harris. The vice presidential hopefuls are due to go head-to-head in a debate to be broadcast by CBS News at 9.00 p.m. ET.