A Quick Glance
– Rep. Jim Banks has launched an investigation into Governor Tim Walz’s trips to China during his National Guard career.
– Concerns include potential security breaches and compliance with foreign travel reporting requirements.
– The investigation also examines the broader implications for national security and adherence to protocol.
Security Concerns Raised by Rep. Jim Banks
In a move that highlights growing concerns about national security, Rep. Jim Banks is spearheading an investigation into Governor Tim Walz’s multiple trips to China during his tenure in the National Guard. Banks is questioning the Pentagon about the security risks posed by these travels, asserting that trips to China, a known adversary, have the potential to expose critical vulnerabilities.
For over 24 years, Walz, who likely held a security clearance, traveled to China at least a dozen times between 1989 and 2005. Such travels by U.S. service members require rigorous reporting and debriefing procedures to mitigate risk. Banks has emphasized his worries that Walz might not have complied with these crucial foreign travel reporting requirements.
“Thirty-five years before Vice President Kamala Harris named Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, he was on his way to teach high school in mainland China as a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square took place in 1989.” – Caitlin Yilek
Protocol Compliance Under the Microscope
Banks expressed his concerns in a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, outlining potential hostile foreign intelligence activities that could have exploited Walz’s frequent travels. Amid increasing scrutiny, these concerns are shared by national security experts like Brian J. Cavanaugh, a former National Security Council senior director, who underscored the importance of adhering to established security measures.
Evaluation of Governor Walz’s Background and Conduct
In addition to evaluating the potential risks, Banks is particularly focused on whether Governor Walz’s trips were reported and whether he completed mandatory debriefing questionnaires. These measures are designed to detect any intel regarding foreign influences or potential breaches encountered during such visits.
Governor Walz, who speaks Mandarin fluently, visited China for the first time in 1989 and continued to make trips throughout his military career. Banks, a U.S. Navy Reserve officer, highlighted concerns that Walz’s generally optimistic demeanor may have rendered him susceptible to exploitation by the Chinese Communist Party.
National Security Implications and Further Investigations
This investigation also reflects wider concerns Banks has about China’s potential influence and its impact on U.S. national security. Beyond Governor Walz’s individual case, Banks has called for Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo to investigate the national security threats posed by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
China’s substantial increase in global EV exports, which has surged from 4.2% in 2018 to 35%, largely due to domestic government incentives and subsidies, poses serious concerns. Banks argues this not only undermines the U.S. industrial base and R&D network but could also facilitate intelligence collection through Chinese EV batteries.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Banks expressed concerns about potential hostile foreign intelligence activities.
The recent criticisms from Walz’s former battalion and congressional Republicans, accusing him of “stolen valor,” amplify these concerns. This heightened scrutiny also comes as Kamala Harris praised Walz’s background as a teacher and veteran when announcing him as her running mate, a move that has only intensified the focus on his past actions.
Increasing Voiced Concerns from Lawmakers and the Public
While the Pentagon and the Harris-Walz campaign have yet to respond to requests for comment, the implications of this investigation cannot be understated. Banks has previously published an op-ed arguing that the Biden administration’s EV transition plan could jeopardize American manufacturing jobs, further illuminating his broader concerns about resource allocation and national security amid growing Chinese economic influence.
Rep. Banks’s ongoing efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to address and mitigate risks posed by foreign influences, particularly from China. As the investigation into Governor Walz’s trips to China unfolds, it serves as both a cautionary tale and a stringent reminder of the necessity for vigilance in safeguarding national security.
As more details emerge, the public and lawmakers alike will likely continue to examine closely how such international engagements align with the paramount objective of preserving America’s security and strategic interests.
Sources
1. Tim Walz’s long history with China
