The Pentagon has avoided addressing concerns about Democrat vice-presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz's frequent travels to China during his service in the Army National Guard.
Breitbart reported that this apparent obstruction has sparked serious questions among Republicans about whether Walz followed military protocols for reporting his trips to a country often viewed with suspicion by U.S. intelligence agencies.
House and Senate Republicans have raised alarms over the potential national security risks, given China's history of targeting U.S. military personnel for intelligence exploitation.
Walz, who has reportedly visited China around 30 times, is under scrutiny for potentially failing to report these trips to the appropriate military authorities.
Military personnel, especially those visiting countries like China, are generally required to report their overseas travel. It remains unclear whether Walz adhered to this protocol.
On August 13, House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee Chairman Jim Banks sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting detailed information on Walz's travels. In a response on August 15, the Pentagon indicated that Austin would provide an answer "in due course," but no further information has been released since then.
Breitbart News also attempted to reach out to the Minnesota National Guard and Walz's spokesperson on August 22. However, by the deadline on August 28, neither had provided a response, adding to the concerns and suspicions surrounding the situation.
A retired non-commissioned officer (NCO) has pointed out that most Army National Guard members, including those holding the rank of staff sergeant or higher, are required to report such trips.
Walz was promoted to sergeant major in 2004, a position that would have necessitated an update to his SF-86 security clearance form. However, reports indicate that Walz did not complete the Sergeant Majors Academy, raising further questions about his military service record.
Walz's early association with China dates back to 1989 when he first traveled to the country to teach English.
He has returned many times since then, often accompanied by students and funded in part by the Chinese government. This long-standing relationship has led security experts to express concerns about the implications for Walz's ability to maintain a security clearance.
Sean Bigley, a security clearance attorney, highlighted the potential risks involved, stating, "The Chinese government doesn’t just give money to give money. There’s an expectation that comes with that."
He added that Walz’s travel history and financial ties to China could have raised red flags with U.S. intelligence agencies, making it difficult for him to obtain or maintain a security clearance.
John Schindler, a former National Security Agency analyst, also commented on the situation, noting that "You don’t get to go back to China 30 times on educational exchanges unless you have the approval of the Communist Party and the secret police."
Schindler emphasized that nothing in a communist country comes without strings attached, raising further suspicions about Walz's activities in China.
In addition to the concerns about Walz's trips, some have accused him of having pro-communist sympathies. A former student of Walz claimed, "There was no doubt he was a true believer," recounting how Walz frequently bought copies of Mao Zedong's "Little Red Book" during his visits to China, reportedly to give as gifts.
The potential for blackmail has also been raised as a significant concern. Bigley explained that repeated visits to China, combined with financial assistance from the Chinese government, could make an individual vulnerable to coercion or blackmail. "You have to assume you’re being tracked and monitored," Bigley said, underscoring the risks involved.
As the scrutiny intensifies, several Republican lawmakers, including House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and Senators Tom Cotton and Marco Rubio, have called for further investigation into Walz's ties to China. Cotton remarked, "Tim Walz owes the American people an explanation about his unusual, 35-year relationship with Communist China."
Rubio echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Walz's long-standing relationship with China is an example of how Beijing grooms future American leaders.
He warned that such relationships could have far-reaching implications for U.S. policy and national security.
Investigations into Walz's ties to China are ongoing, with more information expected to surface in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon's continued silence has only fueled speculation and concern among lawmakers and the public.
As the 2024 election approaches, the potential national security implications of Walz's relationship with China are likely to remain a significant issue. Lawmakers and security experts alike are calling for transparency and a thorough investigation to determine whether Walz's actions compromised U.S. security interests.
