Exclusive | Rep. Jim Banks probes Tim Walz's 'obvious security risk' in dozen trips to China while serving in National Guard
By: Josh Christenson (New York Post)
Anyone remember The Manchurian Candidate ? Let's see, Bernie Sanders loves Russia and Tim Walz loves China. And we're not supposed to worry about Democrats selling out America.
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Rep. Jim Banks is demanding answers from the Pentagon about the "obvious security risk" Democratic vice presidential pick Tim Walz posed to the US due to at least a dozen trips he took to China while serving in the National Guard, according to a letter exclusively obtained by The Post.
Banks (R-Ind.) wrote to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday asking about the "risks of hostile foreign intelligence activity" the Minnesota governor faced, since Walz "almost certainly" had a security clearance as a senior-ranking Guardsman when traveling to China between 1989 and 2005.
"Any individual traveling dozens of times to an adversary nation in a personal capacity while having access to classified information poses an obvious security risk," the Indiana Republican said.
"I am therefore concerned that Governor Walz may have failed to comply with foreign travel reporting requirements during these trips to China, despite his duty as a security clearance holder to protect our national security," he added.
US service members are always ordered to report on such trips, but "especially" so when dealing with an adversarial nation, according to Banks, and often are "required to complete debriefing questionnaires" upon their return to note "any potentially suspicious interaction that occurred."
Brian J. Cavanaugh, a former National Security Council senior director in the Trump White House, told The Post that such security measures were "designed to mitigate the risk of foreign intelligence activities and ensure that individuals are aware of potential threats."
"Regarding the case of Governor Tim Walz's visits to China while he served in the Army National Guard, the security risks would depend on several factors, including the nature of his interactions, the level of classified information he had access to, and his compliance with reporting requirements," Cavanaugh said.
"If Governor Walz failed to report foreign travel or take action on any mitigation measures, the risks of him jeopardizing national security are very real, especially given his tenor and tone towards his time in China," he assessed.
Cavanaugh also pointed to Department of Defense directives governing the procedures for reporting on foreign travel, as well as other relevant federal laws such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
"These laws and orders mandate the protection of classified information and outline the responsibilities of clearance holders, including the requirement to report foreign contacts and travel that might pose a risk to national security," he said.
Walz, 60, who speaks Mandarin, first visited China in 1989 as a college grad working as an American history and English instructor for the WorldTeach program in Foshan in southern China.
"He wanted to have a date he'll always remember," said Gwen Walz, when recalling why her husband chose their wedding day to coincide with the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989. Gwen Walz/Facebook
"No matter how long I live, I will never be treated that well again," he recalled in 1990. "They gave me more gifts than I could bring home. It was an excellent experience."
Three years later, Walz returned with his wife, Gwen, as part of an exchange program with Beijing that the couple helped set up for high school students.
The couple went on to make many more trips, with Walz claiming to have personally gone on as many as 30 excursions to China.
"I've lived in China, and as I've said, I've been there about 30 times," Walz told Agri-Pulse in 2016. "I don't fall into the category that China necessarily needs to be an adversarial relationship. I totally disagree."
An interview of one of his former colleagues in the Chinese-language outlet Initium Media noted that Walz had been treated "like royalty" while he was there — and his wife revealed that he intentionally chose their wedding date to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989.
5Many of those China trips took place during Walz 24-year career as a member of a field artillery regiment in the Army National Guard. He also served as an infantryman. Facebook / Governor Tim Walz
"He wanted to have a date he'll always remember," said Gwen Walz, according to a report in the Guardian.
Many of those trips took place during his 24-year career as a member of a field artillery regiment in the Army National Guard, where he rose through the ranks to eventually become a command sergeant major.
According to Banks, a US Navy Reserve officer who served in Afghanistan, Walz's "naive" optimism was easily open to exploitation by the Chinese Communist Party.
"Walz chose to have his honeymoon in China and even bizarrely planned his wedding date to coincide with the 5th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre," he noted to Austin, later adding that the school teacher and later US congressman was also "willing to repeatedly accept gifts."
Banks is requesting that Austin hand over by Aug. 20 information about the precise number of trips Walz took to China, what level of security clearance he held and for how long, and whether he attended foreign intelligence briefings and complied with reporting requirements.
The letter comes on the heels of attacks against Walz from members of his former battalion and congressional Republicans, many of whom have accused him of "stolen valor" after he abandoned troops under his leadership before deployment to the Iraq war.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris made clear in announcing she'd tapped Walz to be her running mate that she was proud of his past roles as "a teacher and a veteran" who has "delivered for working families like his."
Neither the Pentagon nor reps for the Harris-Walz campaign immediately responded to a request for comment.
Tags
Who is online
218 visitors
When East meets West why is there always a Democrat making the introductions?
I assume you are thinking of a great American president-- who was a Democrat through and through?
1972 visit by Richard Nixon to China
The 1972 visit by United States president Richard Nixon to the People's Republic of China was an important strategic and diplomatic overture that marked the culmination of the Nixon administration's establishment of relations between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China after years of American diplomatic policy that favored the Republic of China in Taiwan.
The seven-day official visit to three Chinese cities was the first time a U.S. president had visited the PRC.
Nixon's arrival in Beijing ended 25 years of no communication or diplomatic ties between the two countries and was the key step in normalizing relations between the U.S. and the PRC.
(Note: "PRC" = The "Peoples' Republic of China" i.e. "Communist China")
When East meets West why is there always a Democrat making the introductions?
Yup-- always! Every single time!
As I'm sure you are aware, Nixon was an avid Democrat!
When East meets West why is there always a Democrat making the introductions?
Yup-- always! Every single time!
As I'm sure you are aware, Nixon was an avid Democrat!
Yes, I am thinking of the model Democrat President -- Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton pursued a grifting opportunity to fund political campaigns; Chinagate. Of course, Clinton was never charged so it must have been okay.
Even the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement was funded, in part, by Chinese money. Biden's Vice Presidential secret files were housed there, too. But Biden was never charged so it must have been okay.
Nixon had a fantastic relationship with China.
When East meets West why is there always a Democrat making the introductions?
Yup-- always! Every single time! As I'm sure you are aware, Nixon was an avid Democrat!
Apparently some people still haven't realized it yet, so let me explain--
1.That was meant as sarcasm.
Why? . . . . because:
2. Nixon was actually a Republican (To your "When East meets West why is there always a Democrat making the introductions?" .. . . yada, yada, yada...)
Hope that clears things up.
He really did.
I think many people tend to over-generalize. (And for some strange reason that seems to be especially prevalent on Social Media).
Often seeing people as being all good or all bad. In later events, Nixon proved to be a complete scoundrel and a knave. But interestingly, he did do some positive stuff.
"They gave me more gifts than I could bring home."
It's time for more of those pesky details.
Well, since you asked, Nixon (always the Democrat) is given credit for "opening up China"
(If you want more of those pesky little details- - just ask!)
I'd be delighted to accommodate you.
{Pesky, schmesky!}
The thick plottens!
When the Chinese Communist Party gained power over mainland China in 1949 and the Kuomintang retreated to the island of Taiwan after the de facto end of the Chinese Civil War, the United States continued to recognize the Republic of China (ROC) as the sole government of China, now based out of Taipei.
Before his election as president in 1968, former Vice President Richard Nixon hinted at establishing a new relationship with the PRC.
Early in his first term, Nixon, through his National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger, sent subtle overtures hinting at warmer relations to the government of the PRC. After a series of these overtures by both countries, Kissinger flew on secret diplomatic missions to Beijing in 1971, where he met with Chinese premier Zhou Enlai.
On July 15, 1971, the President announced on live television that he would visit the PRC the following year.[2]
But it was Bill Clinton that sold out America to China.
But with Presidents like Bill Clinton, it seems obvious why Democrats revere Republican Presidents.
I so enjoy reading the comments of Americans that they were "sold out to China". It makes my day to see how fucking paranoid America is of China, and for no other reason, IMO, than the fact that it is inevitable that China is bound to become the world's number 1 nation displacing America, which is already on the decline. But don't worry, down the road India is bound to take over that mantle, so it's so fucking useless throwing every roadblock in China's path that America is capable of without actually invading China to uselessly maintain its status.
Kissinger isn't running for office. Let's account for all of Timmy's gifts and his efforts to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. After all, he wanted to defend his country - but without the inconvenience of overseas PCSs, yet here he is with his frequently extended palm.
Facts. schmacts
I wouldn't bet on it, especially under a totalitarian regime. In fact, the growth of the Chinese economy is projected to decelerate over the next 5 years. As for longer term projections, it is difficult to say, but it is a fact that totalitarian regimes stimy growth, and China has become more totalitarian under Xi than it has been since Mao. Meanwhile, most of its neighboring countries stand in opposition to China's attempts to project international influence militarily and otherwise.
At this point, the American economy remains the strongest in the world and there is no reason to believe that will change. In addition, the U.S. is still the most influential and significant country on the planet in terms of international relations and leadership, and there is no reason to believe that will change, either. Enemies of the freedoms and progress represented by America wish it was in decline, but that is a totalitarian pipe dream.
India will soon have the largest population of any country, if it doesn't already, but structurally and sociologically it has almost insurmountable weaknesses to becoming the dominant international power. That is not to say it will not become an economic powerhouse, because it very will may, without becoming the indispensable country.
Of course, if one were to believe Trump's propaganda, which aligns with the propaganda of other authoritarians/totalitarians, the U.S. is already a 3rd World Country on the verge of total collapse.
I'm not sure about that-- IMO it could go either way.
(And while its not a perfect analogy, China had been #1 in population-- recently India became #1-- but that's just in population.)
It also depends upon what people mean when they say "#1 nation".
So, why does China need to hide behind American brand labels? Chinese counterfeits and knock-offs have been a real problem in the US. Unsafe products from China has been a real problem in the US.
Chinese businesses setting up shop in the US, Mexico, and now other countries in the western hemisphere should demonstrate that China's only interest is money. And China has proven willing to break the rules to get that money.
Its probably actually for the very same reason that (obviously) why Republicans revere Democratic Presidents!
Remember:
War is peace.
Freedom is slavery.
Ignorance is bliss.”
America is so concerned about knockoffs and counterfeits, then put up the wall - no more Chinese products. Funny thing is that your comment about knockoffs and counerfeits is the first time I've heard or read of such a problem, and when I did many years ago the products were from Japan. Yes, China is expanding its benefits around the world. Interestingly, I recall reading a comment made by someone at one of those nations that went approximately like this..."When China comes we get schools and hospitals, highways and railroads, and when America comes we get lots of talk."
And if you want to know about the benefits to American corporations setting up shop in China, ask McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, GMC, Starbucks, Walmart, Nike, Addidas, Coca-Cola, Proctor and Gamble, etc etc etc Don't you think that maybe they happen to be there to make money????
You’d better hope the USA holds it’s place because china is an ally of iran.
Gee, it's like you live in a bubble of censorship.
HOLY SMOKE!!! IS THAT SO!!! Thanks for telling me, cause I was totally unaware that CTV (Canada Television News), Canada Global News, ABC, CBS, npr, MIcrosoft Bing, USA Today, etc etc etc that I've been reading and watching here are all censored by the CPC.
However, sometimes their censorship is absolutely laughable when it comes to the movies.
I must have been misled..
I realize that Global is a Chinese source but it does refer to an International Think Tank in which the USA is a participant. However, more recent predictions are not so positive about China becoming number one, so you are probably right.
SHIT!!! Nobody gave ME any gifts. But I was treated with respect - to the extent that early on many people wanted to take photos with me.
OMG-- one of NT's very own has become-- an "influencer".
(Now that's exciting!
)
I've taught many students over the years, and they all liked me, so I guess I was somewhat of an influence on them, although I no longer keep in touch with any of them.
Would not surprise me if we start hearing that he passed sensitive information to some of his comrades while there.
Who-- Nixon?
Don't tell me that you are questioning the patriotism of President Nixon, the Democrat!
Like you said:
When East meets West why is there always a Democrat making the introductions?
Would not surprise me if we start hearing that he passed sensitive information to some of his comrades while there
More information re that pesky Democrat's (Nixon) trip to PRC ("Peoples' Republic of China"):
The week-long visit, from February 21 to 28, 1972, allowed the American public to view images of mainland China for the first time in over two decades.
Throughout the week the President and his senior advisers engaged in substantive discussions with the PRC leadership, including a meeting with CCP chairman Mao Zedong , while First Lady Pat Nixon toured schools, factories and hospitals in the cities of Beijing , Hangzhou and Shanghai with the large American press corps in tow.
Nixon dubbed his visit "the week that changed the world", a descriptor that continues to echo in the political lexicon.
And kudos to you as you know how those pesky Democrats like Nixon are:
Would not surprise me if we start hearing that he passed sensitive information to some of his comrades while there
What in the hell??????????
Yes, Nixon went to China because Nixon was trying to get out of Lyndon Johnson's Vietnam.
But the Chinese came to the Clinton White House to lobby for sweetheart deals. Seems Clinton gave China aid for economic development. And Clinton gave China favored trading status in exchange for what? Clinton was very good to China and threw America under the bus.
Go ahead, talk about Nixon. Make Nixon a Democrat hero. At least we won't hear any more from Democrats about Saint Reagan.
Excellent idea!
When I read your comments I hear circus music in my head.
Doot doot doodle oodle doot doot doodle oodle doot doot...
Well, duh. Trump can't run for a third term so it's obviously the final act for the clown. But Trump can run for a 2nd term unlike Joe Biden.
No matter how it's spun, Biden has lost his bid for reelection. Joe Biden is and will forever be a one term President.
Waiting ... Tik Tok ...
It’s that or tinnitus.
So, what happened? Since it's a excellent idea, here goes.
Why would Democrats have a love affair with Richard Nixon? Nixon ended the Vietnam war. Nixon oversaw the final act of the moon program; Nixon made the phone call to the surface of the moon. Under Nixon's leadership, the Clean Air Act became law, the Clean Water Act became law, and the Environmental Protection Agency was created. Nixon expanded Social Security eligibility and expanded welfare. And, yes, Nixon used dirty tricks during his reelection campaign.
It shouldn't be too surprising that Democrats running for President have tried to emulate Richard Nixon. Nixon really is the type of Republican that Democrats want.
You possibly may have confused Walzs with the ones Mexico paid for by Trumpin the organization that keeps records, about X presidents who keep records not played on albums due to appointed judges not fairly recently, found Special People don't always make special prosecutors' that offer quart ordered support for awarded and sordid behavior, buy a bought 45 savior to loosen balls from Cannons', shot like a video game played by our highest Quart Jesters too serious to joke about the TYrump card played on the pc re tardy come lately crowd chowder see food fore thought bless of Grace four bean strung write out of her silly spacely sprockets and shallow pockets of steam evaporated to add moisture to the dry ice cold humor good enuff to laugh offm off ten not enough to Kare free for the charge gotten by dead batteries charging at you for all of the n positively negative commentary went dysentery clothed in loin cloth maid by maidens from the African Union of Confederate closet capers local 686 thst had come out of coincidences whilst coinciding width the height of riding the wave that crested like a Blue Tooth Cavity Creep Tooth Fairy kid nappin bone scrappin and beaver trappin pioneer girl gone wild, cause if anyone needs his SECURITY CLEARANCE CHECKED OUT COMPLETELY, it would be Donald 45 Trump, the guy who after firing Comey, ONLY allows Russian media and their main Spy Guy Giplomat Man at the time, to be the ONLY ones to slumber party out White House of Crime, art that time, for if any was to sell our secrets, U might wanna check out Trump the stealer of documents top extreme and as Top Secret Noted, it WAS Trump that was found to have shared with those not loaded to grin and bear till imploded was and is the only reason ole Trumpy treason would take top secret files, is too prophet from all his inner working knoiwledge while so many still think he worked for nothing while braggin of working for nothing, whilst never divested just heavily invested in much like he, detested ways he did make his
Yep, he taught the Chinese students English so they wouldn't be noticed infiltrating all American institutions in order to sabotage and weaken all American institutions to enable the Chinese takeover. BEWARE THE YELLOW PERIL.
PARANOIA!!!!!!!!
I don't believe that paranoia is the proper word Buzz. I can't say the proper word(s).
Send me a PN, I'm curious.
It doesn't surprise me that you would make such an agnorant accusation.
Wrong again!
In fact we know that Buzz never did that!
How do we know?
Simple-- its because Buzz never had access to any "sensitive" information!
Yep, Krishna, you're right about that.
As long as he didn't collct any trademarks, he's good to go.
Old man Biden sees it differently: