Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has gained national attention as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, is facing intense scrutiny after a new exposé revealed that he appointed a member of a political faction tied to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to a prominent state board.
The Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) reported that Walz appointed Chang Wang, a Minnesota-based attorney, to the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans back in May 2020. The council, which advises the governor and other state agencies, plays a crucial role in promoting the economic, social, and political equality of Asian Pacific Minnesotans.
However, Wang’s affiliation with the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) has raised significant concerns, as the organization is closely linked to the CCP. Wang, who currently serves as the interim chair of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, has an extensive resume that includes law degrees from the University of Minnesota, visiting professorships across several countries, and numerous academic publications.
Despite these credentials, his ties to the CAPD, a CCP-affiliated political organization, have sparked fears over potential foreign influence within the state government. According to the DCNF, Wang has been linked to the CAPD for over a decade, a connection that appears to have flown under the radar until now. The CAPD, which is the third-largest political party in China, operates under the oversight of the CCP and has been known to promote its policies.
Wang’s role in promoting CCP-linked interests is particularly alarming given his influence on Minnesota’s policies regarding Asian-American affairs. The council that Wang heads provides recommendations on various topics that affect over 43,000 Chinese Minnesotans, potentially giving Wang significant leverage in shaping state policy.
Wang’s role within this organization has raised questions about whether his appointment by Walz was properly vetted and whether Minnesota’s state government could be vulnerable to foreign influence. Walz’s appointment of Wang to the influential advisory board occurred at a time when concerns over China’s expanding influence in U.S. politics and business have been a major topic of debate. China has an increasing global presence, especially through its strategic partnerships and political alliances.
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Wang informed the DCNF via email about his personal connections to China, stating, “My elderly parents are my only ties to China,” in response to inquiries about his involvement with CAPD. While his current profile on the University of Minnesota’s website omits any mention of his affiliation with CAPD, previous versions of the site show that he was listed as associated with the organization.
The U.S. government has been increasingly concerned about China’s attempts to expand its influence through academic, political, and business channels. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) accused the FBI on Thursday of not releasing information he requested concerning Walz’s numerous visits to China.
Comer raised concerns about whether Walz engaged with affiliates of the Chinese Communist Party during these trips. In a firm letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Comer reiterated his call for all documents and communications held by the FBI that relate to any Chinese entities Walz might have been in contact with across his roughly 30 trips to China. He also demanded clarity on whether there have been any discussions between the FBI and Walz’s office regarding these interactions.
“The FBI’s silence regarding Mr. Walz’s documented relations with CCP affiliates is inexcusable,” letter stated. “The Committee must understand the full extent of Mr. Walz’s ties to the CCP. In short, such ties appear myriad and substantial.”
