Kamala Harris’ VP Pick Has a Long History with China, Beijing May Not Welcome It

Minnesota’s Governor, Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee accompanying Kamala Harris, possesses an extensive history with China, but his past may not be well embraced by Beijing.

The Early China Connection

A fresh graduate in 1989, Tim Walz traveled to China to serve as a high-school teacher. This experience, along with his frequent trips to the country during a decade of summer cultural exchanges with American students, helped him establish a personal connection with the nation. Walz, who holds a positive perspective on the Chinese populace and culture, often speaks fondly about the country.

From Being Pro-China to a Critic of Authoritarian Leadership

Walz developed a nuanced understanding of China, having lived there shortly after the Tiananmen Square massacre. Over time, Walz – once perceived as pro-China – started criticizing the nation’s authoritarian leaders, expressing sympathy for the Chinese citizens who he felt were maligned by their government. After returning to Nebraska in 1990, Walz pledged his support for the Chinese people’s potential should they receive adequate leadership.

A Staunch Advocate for Human Rights

During his stint in Congress from 2007 to 2019, Walz displayed strong advocacy for arrested Chinese activists, reinforcing his critical stance on China’s leadership. Walz’s status as a critic of Chinese policy has promoted the cause of the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, and Joshua Wong, a young democracy activist based in Hong Kong.

Insights May Not Ensure Comfort with Beijing

Although Walz holds a deep understanding of China’s culture and people, experts believe that Beijing is likely uncomfortable with his detestation of China’s political system.
Shen Dingli, a foreign policy analyst based in Shanghai, noted that Walz’s profound knowledge about China’s political scenario is a source of concern for Beijing.

The Harris-Walz Diplomacy Prospects

Given Walz’s stand on human rights and his criticism of China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and unfair trade practices, there is speculation among Chinese nationalists that his foreign policies might not favor Beijing. However, Stephen Roach, former chief of Morgan Stanley Asia, asserted that the Harris-Walz ticket could counter the surge in Sinophobia in America. Eric Fish, former Beijing-based journalist, added that Walz’s empathy for the Chinese may make it difficult for Beijing to label him as “anti-China”.

Does His Past Experience with China Matter?

Even though Walz’s close connection with China has generated significant interest and discussion on China’s social media, his experiences from decades ago might not influence his policies towards China today, says Liu Dongshu, an assistant professor in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, his understanding of the country might serve as a diplomatic starting point, warming up bilateral ties while keeping careful considerations of the delicate situation in mind.