In a move to scrutinize the Democratic vice presidential nominee's ties with China, Republican lawmakers have launched an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's history with the country. The probe comes amidst heightened tensions in the U.S.-China relationship, with any interaction with China drawing skepticism and suspicion from political opponents.

Governor Walz, who spent a year teaching high school in China at the age of 25, has faced accusations of having a "decadeslong relationship with Communist China." Republicans have raised concerns about his multiple visits to China with American exchange students and his service on a committee tracking China's human rights as a congressman.

The attacks on Walz highlight a broader trend where interactions with China, once seen as cultural exchanges, have become targets for political opponents. Critics argue that having China connections makes individuals beholden to China's interests and compromises U.S. interests.

Reacting to the investigation, Walz's spokesman Teddy Tschann defended the governor's record in standing up for human rights and democracy, stating that he has consistently challenged China's Communist Party. However, Republican Representative James Comer, chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, expressed concerns about Walz's "longstanding and cozy relationship with China."

The investigation seeks to uncover any potential ties between Walz and Beijing's influence operations. Comer revealed that he has asked the FBI for information regarding the governor's activities and whether he may have been targeted or recruited by Chinese entities.

Criticism of Walz's China connections emerged soon after his nomination as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate in the upcoming presidential election. Commenting on the issue, former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell claimed that "Communist China is very happy with" Walz. Other prominent Republicans like Senator Tom Cotton and Senator Marco Rubio called for transparency regarding Walz's relationship with China.

Walz's ties with China began when he taught in China at the age of 26. He later returned for his honeymoon in 1994, coinciding with the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. As a congressman, he championed China's human rights and had notable encounters with figures like the Dalai Lama and Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong.

Experts suggest that China has moderated its expectations for U.S. politicians with ties to the country, acknowledging that they might possess insight into China's internal problems. Walz's firsthand experience could potentially lend credibility to U.S. criticism of the ruling Communist Party.

While the investigation aims to shed light on Walz's China connections, it also raises questions about the broader implications of China-bashing and excluding individuals with firsthand China experience from policymaking. As the U.S.-China relationship remains strained, it is vital to strike a balance between addressing legitimate concerns and utilizing valuable insights gained from engagement with China.

Within China, public interest in Walz's experience has been met with government suppression of discussions surrounding the matter. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining the extent of Walz's relationship with China and its potential impact on U.S. interests.