Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has a long-standing relationship with China that began in 1989 when he taught U.S. history, culture, and English in Foshan, a city in Guangdong province. His time in China has drawn scrutiny from Republicans who question his stance on the communist nation, although Walz has been known for criticizing China's human rights record.
Throughout his political career, Walz has maintained a diplomatic approach to China, emphasizing the importance of cooperation while holding the country accountable for human rights violations. Despite his numerous visits to China, including for his honeymoon, Walz has been an advocate for causes such as Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and has supported legislation like the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.
Walz's nuanced views on China involve recognizing the potential for cooperation between the U.S. and China while also acknowledging the need for China to adhere to international norms, particularly regarding human rights. Despite facing criticism for his ties to China, Walz has consistently emphasized the importance of balancing economic relations with a commitment to addressing human rights abuses in the country.