There’s much excitement over Tim Walz’s nomination as the Democratic running mate. No, not just in the US, but also in China. He has an old China connection that many here hope will come in handy in Washington’s new Beijing policy if Kamala Harris wins.
“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 potential direction of China policy under a Harris-Walz administration, should they win in November 2024. His firsthand experience with China, coupled with his roles as both a long-standing advocate for people-to-people and educational exchanges, and a critic of human rights violations, is expected to bring a nuanced perspective to their approach.
Much of the coverage of Walz in China has been positive. The contrast between the Republican Party nominee, Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance, known for their hardline stance on China, and Walz, who has a past connection with China, has shaped Chinese media and social media discourse about the upcoming US election. There is a noticeable inclination toward Walz.
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Walz’s relatability in China
While the English media in China is restrained on the prospects of Walz becoming vice president, Chinese media and social media platforms are buzzing with analyses of Harris’ choice. Following the announcement, which garnered around 12 million views, the topic quickly began trending on Weibo. Walz’s past statements and interviews about China are being extensively shared, highlighting his positive view of the country. Two of his most widely circulated statements are: “China was coming, and that’s the reason that I went” 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 achievements. They are such a kind, generous and capable people. They continue to give me (help).”
A commentary on Baidu highlights six key reasons for Walz’s nomination. First, Walz’s loyalty to the party is evident from his staunch support for the current President Joe Biden, even amid poor debate performance. Second, his tenure as a congressman in a Trump-supporting district positions him to appeal to traditionally Republican voters, which could be advantageous for Democrats in critical Midwestern states. Third, his gubernatorial achievements, including reforms on free school meals, paid family and sick 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 to connect with average voters, contrasting with the Republican Party figures like Tommy Tuberville. An article in a Chinese news website even called him down-to-earth and relatable, citing 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 described their behaviour as “weird”, has bolstered Democratic campaign efforts. Sixth, Walz’s evolution from a Blue Dog Democrat to a progressive—particularly 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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A mixed bag for China
Walz’s past exposure to China has led to mixed opinions on whether his experience will enhance China-US relations or pose additional challenges. News reports from various Chinese outlets, which interviewed his former colleagues and students, suggest that he left a strong and favourable impression during his time in China.
A Weibo user characterised Walz as a typical older white male from the Democratic Party, noting that he aligns well with Harris’s policies. The post suggested that, from a Chinese perspective, Walz’s selection is preferable to Trump’s choice of Vance as Walz seems less overtly anti-China. However, it also highlighted a caveat: in contemporary 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 connections. In fact, he has taken actions unfavourable to China, such as supporting the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in 2019 and meeting with the Dalai Lama.
Initially, Trump was viewed in China as a likely winner of the upcoming US presidential election. However, Walz’s entry into the race has shifted the narrative. Despite highlighting sensitive issues such as Tibet and the Tiananmen Square crisis, his previously positive attitude towards China is seen as a potential opportunity for improved bilateral relations. During his time in China, he was seen as an easygoing and friendly figure with a warm smile, which is now being interpreted in China as a sign of possible improvement in relations between the two countries.
Sana Hashmi is fellow at Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. She tweets @sanahashmi1. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)