Pentagon's Silence on Walz's China Trips Raises Concerns
The Pentagon, under the Biden-Harris administration, is refusing to provide information about the frequent travels of Democratic vice-presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz to China. This lack of transparency has led to concerns about potential risks to U.S. military members and the question of whether Walz disclosed these trips to the Army National Guard during his service.
Travel Reporting Requirements for Military Personnel
U.S. military members, particularly those with a security clearance, are typically required to report or seek permission from their command before traveling overseas, especially to countries considered adversarial to U.S. interests like China. This is because military personnel are often prime targets for foreign espionage and exploitation.
Walz's Trips To China
Walz has publicly stated that he visited China around 30 times, with many of these trips happening while he was a member of the Army National Guard. However, it is unclear if Walz consistently reported his travels to his military command, sought proper permission, or had a security clearance during these trips. The Pentagon has yet to provide answers to these questions.
Requests for Information
Chairman of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, Jim Banks, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Acting Chief of the National Guard Bureau Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, asking for details about Walz's travels and his compliance with military reporting rules. A Pentagon spokesperson said that Austin would respond "in due course," but no response has been received more than two weeks later.
Walz's History with China
Walz's affinity for China is well-documented. Local news archives reveal that his frequent trips, partly funded by the Chinese government, and his admiration for Chinese culture, even after witnessing the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. Critics argue that Walz's trips and their funding could have made him a target for Chinese intelligence recruitment.
Concerns about Walz's Susceptibility to Influence
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has also requested information from the FBI on Walz’s engagement with Chinese entities, reflecting broader concerns about his potential susceptibility to influence from the Chinese Communist Party. The FBI had until August 30 to provide answers.
Lack of Transparency
Despite calls for greater transparency, the Biden-Harris administration and the Pentagon continue to withhold critical information, leaving many questions unanswered about Walz's extensive travel history and potential implications for U.S. national security.
Bottom Line
The lack of transparency from the Pentagon regarding Governor Tim Walz's frequent trips to China raises serious national security concerns. It's crucial for public figures, especially those with potential access to sensitive information, to be transparent about their connections and dealings with foreign powers. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think there should be more transparency regarding the travels of public figures? Share this article with your friends and let them know about this ongoing situation. Remember to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.