BTN New: Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, has a long and profound relationship with China that spans decades, beginning with his time as a high school teacher in the southern province of Guangdong in 1989. Walz’s experience in China was transformative, shaping his understanding of Chinese culture, politics, and the struggles faced by its people under communist rule. Over the years, he has leveraged this experience to inform his work in the U.S. Congress, where he has been a vocal advocate for human rights in China. His journey from educator to human rights defender illustrates his deep commitment to fostering better relations between Beijing and Washington while standing firm on issues of freedom and democracy.
In 1989, as China was on the cusp of significant political upheaval, Tim Walz found himself teaching American history, culture, and English at Foshan No.1 High School in Guangdong province. This was the same year that saw the massive pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square, an event that would leave a lasting impact on Walz. While many foreigners chose to leave China due to safety concerns during the protests, Walz remained, driven by a sense of duty to ensure that the story of the Chinese people’s struggle for democracy was heard. His students affectionately nicknamed him “Campos of China” for his kindness, a testament to the bonds he formed during this critical period.
The year he spent teaching in China gave Walz a unique perspective on the potential of the Chinese people, should they have the right leadership. He described his time in China as “one of the best things” he had ever done, reflecting on the resilience and aspirations of the Chinese people. Upon returning to the United States, Walz and his wife launched “Educational Travel Adventures,” a company that organized summer trips to China for American high school students. This venture allowed Walz to continue his engagement with China, fostering cultural exchange and understanding between the two nations.
Five years after the Tiananmen Square protests, Walz returned to China with his wife for their honeymoon. This trip, which included leading two groups of American high school students, reinforced his belief in the importance of maintaining connections with China. Walz continued to run the summer exchange program until 2003, ensuring that young Americans could experience China firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of its complexities.
Walz’s commitment to China-related issues did not wane after he was elected to Congress in 2007. He joined the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, a body dedicated to monitoring human rights and the rule of law in China. In this role, Walz became a prominent critic of the Chinese government’s human rights abuses, particularly in Tibet and Hong Kong. He regularly met with high-profile activists like Joshua Wong and the Dalai Lama, advocating for the rights of the Tibetan people and supporting Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
In his Congressional work, Walz co-sponsored several resolutions addressing human rights concerns in China. He called for the release of Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo and activist Huang Qi, and he was a strong supporter of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2017. Walz’s advocacy extended to the preservation of Tibetan culture and the protection of Tibet’s fragile environment, urging the U.S. to engage in “constructive dialogues” with Beijing to ensure these goals.
While Walz was critical of China’s human rights record, he also recognized the importance of cooperation between the U.S. and China. In 2016, he expressed concern over China’s expansion in the South China Sea, opposing reductions in U.S. military spending in response to Beijing’s aggressive actions. However, Walz maintained that the U.S. and China did not have to be adversaries, emphasizing the potential for collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Walz’s extensive experience with China and his nuanced understanding of U.S.-China relations have been seen as assets to the Democratic ticket. Analysts believe that his background could help the administration navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of East Asia, offering informed perspectives on how to balance criticism of China’s authoritarian practices with the need for diplomatic engagement. His approach, which combines a strong stance on human rights with a willingness to cooperate on global issues, could provide a more balanced and effective U.S. policy toward China.
In sum, Tim Walz’s connection to China is not just a footnote in his career; it is a central theme that has influenced his worldview and his work as a lawmaker. From his early days as a teacher in Guangdong to his role in Congress advocating for human rights, Walz has consistently demonstrated a commitment to understanding and improving U.S.-China relations. His experiences in China have shaped his belief in the power of leadership and the importance of standing up for universal freedoms, values that he continues to champion on the global stage.
