Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has recently attracted national attention as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, is under significant scrutiny following a new exposé. This report reveals that he appointed Chang Wang, a local attorney, to a key state board, despite Wang’s affiliations with a political group connected to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) uncovered that Walz appointed Wang to the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans in May 2020. This council advises the governor and other state agencies and is instrumental in advancing the economic, social, and political interests of the Asian Pacific community in Minnesota.

However, Wang’s connection to the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) has sparked considerable concern, given that this organization has strong ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Wang, who is currently serving as the interim chair of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, boasts an impressive background that includes law degrees from the University of Minnesota, visiting professorships in various countries, and a wealth of academic publications.

Despite Wang’s impressive credentials, his association with the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD), a political organization affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has raised concerns about possible foreign influence in state government affairs. The DCNF reports that Wang has been connected to the CAPD for more than ten years, a detail that seems to have gone unnoticed until recently. The CAPD, China’s third-largest political party, functions under CCP supervision and is known for advancing CCP policies.

Wang’s involvement with the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) is particularly concerning given his influential position on the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, which oversees policies affecting the state’s Asian-American communities, including over 43,000 Chinese Minnesotans. This role potentially grants him substantial influence over state policy.

Questions have arisen about whether Governor Walz’s appointment of Wang was thoroughly vetted, especially amid ongoing debates about China’s increasing influence in U.S. politics and business. This concern is compounded by China’s growing global presence through strategic partnerships and political alliances.

Wang told the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) via email that his only personal connections to China are his elderly parents, addressing inquiries about his CAPD affiliation. While his current profile on the University of Minnesota’s website does not mention his CAPD connection, earlier versions of the site did list him as associated with the organization.

The U.S. government has heightened its scrutiny of China’s efforts to extend its influence through various channels. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has criticized the FBI for not providing requested information regarding Governor Walz’s numerous trips to China. Comer has questioned whether Walz met with CCP affiliates during these visits and has called for the FBI to release all related documents and communications. In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Comer demanded clarification on any discussions between the FBI and Walz’s office about these interactions, stating that the lack of transparency is unacceptable and that the Committee needs to fully understand Walz’s potential ties to the CCP.