TThe nomination of Tim Walz as the Democratic vice presidential candidate is causing a great deal of excitement. No, not only in the US, but also in China. He has an old China connection that many here hope will benefit Washington’s new Beijing policy should Kamala Harris win.
“Powerful and amazing” is how Chen Weichuan, Tim Walz’s former colleague at Foshan No. 1 Middle School in Guangdong, described him. Walz’s background as a former teacher in China has sparked speculation about the possible direction of China policy under a Harris-Walz administration should they win in November 2024. His own experience with China, coupled with his role as a longtime advocate of people-to-people and educational exchanges and a critic of human rights abuses, should add a nuanced perspective to their approach.
Coverage of Walz in China has been largely positive. The contrast between Republican Party candidate Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance, who are known for their tough stance on China, and Walz, who has had ties to China in the past, has shaped Chinese media and social media discourse on the upcoming US election. There is a clear bias towards Walz.
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Walz’s recognizability in China
While English-language media in China are being tight-lipped about the prospects of Walz as vice president, Chinese media and social media platforms are teeming with analysis of Harris’s choice. Following the announcement, which received around 12 million views, the issue quickly became a trending topic on Weibo. Walz’s previous statements and interviews about China are widely shared, highlighting his positive view of the country. Two of his most widely shared statements are: “China was on the rise, and that’s why I left” and “No matter how long I live, I will never be treated so well again.” Another widely shared quote is: “If (the Chinese people) have the right leadership, they can achieve unlimited success. They are such a kind, generous and capable people. They continue to help me.”
A commentary on Baidu cites six key reasons for Walz’s nomination. First, Walz’s loyalty to the party is evident in his staunch support of incumbent President Joe Biden, even despite his poor performance in the debates. Second, his tenure as a congressman in a Trump-supporting district puts him in a position to appeal to traditionally Republican voters, which could be beneficial for Democrats in key Midwestern states. Third, his accomplishments as governor, including reforms to free school meals, paid family and medical leave, and gun safety legislation, have been well received by progressives. Fourth, Walz’s people-friendly image, straightforward communication style, and Midwestern accent help him connect with the average voter, unlike Republican Party figures like Tommy Tuberville. An article on a Chinese news website even called him down-to-earth and approachable, pointing to social media posts featuring his daughter. Fifth, his public criticism of the Republican Party, also known as the Grand Old Party (GOP), on MSNBC, where he called their behavior “weird,” has bolstered the Democratic campaign. Sixth, Walz’s evolution from a Blue Dog Democrat to a progressive – especially after supporting red flag laws following the 2018 Parkland shooting, which earned him an F rating from the National Rifle Association – demonstrates his commitment to progressive values.
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Mixed picture for China
Walz’s previous stay in China has led to mixed opinions about whether his experiences will improve Sino-American relations or bring additional challenges. News reports from various Chinese media outlets that have interviewed his former colleagues and students suggest that he made a strong and positive impression during his time in China.
One Weibo user characterized Walz as a typical older white male from the Democratic Party and noted that he aligns well with Harris’ policies. The post suggested that from a Chinese perspective, Walz’s selection was preferable to Trump’s choice of Vance, as Walz appears to be less openly anti-China. However, it also highlighted a caveat: In current American politics, politicians who are knowledgeable about China are not necessarily pro-China. Walz, like others, views issues primarily from an American perspective and cannot be considered pro-China despite his past ties. In fact, he has taken actions unfavorable to China, such as supporting the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in 2019 and meeting with the Dalai Lama.
Trump was initially seen in China as the likely winner of the upcoming US presidential election. But Walz’s entry into the race has changed the perception. Although he addresses sensitive issues such as Tibet and the Tiananmen Square crisis, his previously positive attitude towards China is seen as a potential opportunity for improving bilateral relations. During his time in China, he was considered an easy-going and friendly personality with a warm smile, which is now interpreted in China as a sign of a possible improvement in relations between the two countries.
Sana Hashmi is a fellow at the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. She tweets at @sanahashmi1. Her views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)
