Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Scrutinized for Past China Remarks

Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, is facing scrutiny from Republicans over his past pro-China remarks, which include expressing a belief that the U.S. and China do not need to have an adversarial relationship.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has come under fire from Republicans for his past pro-China remarks, which have raised concerns about his stance on the communist nation.

Walz's ties to China date back to 1989, when he worked as an English and American history teacher in Guangdong. He later became a member of Congress and the Governor of Minnesota.

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Scrutinized for Past China Remarks

In a 2016 interview, Walz expressed skepticism about the need for an adversarial relationship with China.

"I don't fall into the category that China necessarily needs to be an adversarial relationship," he said. "I totally disagree, and I think we need to stand firm on what they're doing in the South China Sea, but there's many areas of cooperation we can work on."

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Scrutinized for Past China Remarks

Walz's comments have been met with criticism from some on the right, who believe he is soft on China.

"Communist China is very happy with [Walz] as Kamala's VP pick," said former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell.

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Scrutinized for Past China Remarks

Others, however, have defended Walz, noting his past criticism of China's human rights record.

"Throughout his career, Gov. Walz has stood up to the CCP, fought for human rights and democracy and always put American jobs and manufacturing first," said Harris campaign spokesperson James Singer.

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Scrutinized for Past China Remarks

Walz's selection as Harris' running mate has also been met with mixed reactions on Chinese social media.

"I feel like he should be the one running for president," one user said.

"In 2014, he said in an interview with U.S. media that he ‘cares a lot about human rights and democracy in China.’ He was also a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. He has bad intentions," another said.

The scrutiny over Walz's China remarks highlights the growing tensions between the U.S. and China, and the importance of each country's relationship with the other.