Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is attracting attention in China after being named Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential pick. Walz’s connection to China stems from his time teaching in Guangdong province in 1989, a topic that has garnered significant interest on Weibo, with over 12 million views.
During that year, Walz taught English and American history at Foshan No 1 High School under a Harvard University volunteer program. He described his experience as “one of the best things I’ve ever done.” His decision to teach in China and his subsequent honeymoon there with his wife, fellow teacher Gwen Whipple, has added a unique dimension to his profile.
The year 1989 is notable in Chinese history due to the Tiananmen Square massacre, where Chinese military forces violently suppressed pro-democracy protests. While this event is a sensitive topic in China, some social media users alluded to it indirectly, with comments like, “If you know, you know.”
Many Chinese netizens pointed out that Walz’s time in China coincided with a vastly different era in the country’s history, long before it emerged as a global economic powerhouse and a major competitor to the United States. One comment noted, “This candidate was in China at a very different time. The atmosphere was very different.”
Despite the political tensions between the U.S. and China today, some Weibo users expressed hope that Walz’s background might foster better relations between the two countries. “His unique background gives him a real perspective on China,” one user wrote, suggesting that he could “promote cultural exchanges between China and the United States at a time when relations are extremely difficult.”
Walz’s experience in China left a lasting impression on him. Upon returning to the U.S., he remarked to a local newspaper about the potential of the Chinese people, praising them as “kind, generous, capable people” who could achieve great things with proper leadership.
The couple’s connection to China extended beyond their teaching stint; they got married on June 4, 1994, the fifth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square events, choosing the date for its significance. They later established a business organizing educational trips to China for U.S. students.
There has been limited reaction from Republican circles regarding Walz’s time in China. However, some Trump allies have speculated that his nomination might be viewed favorably by Beijing. Richard Grenell, a former acting director of National Intelligence, tweeted, “Communist China is very happy with @GovTimWalz as Kamala’s VP pick.” Beijing has yet to officially comment on Walz’s nomination.
