The Pentagon has yet to address concerns regarding Gov. Tim Walz's numerous trips to China during his Army National Guard service, amid fears of security breaches and proper reporting protocols.

Walz, who has been named the Democratic Party's vice-presidential nominee, made approximately 30 trips to China, some while serving in the Army National Guard, and those journeys have sparked criticism and concern, with lawmakers now seeking answers that the Biden-Harris administration seems reluctant to provide, as Breitbart reports.

U.S. military regulations require all service members, especially those with security clearances, to formally report foreign travel to command, particularly trips to nations like China, which are viewed as antagonistic towards U.S. interests.

It remains unclear whether Walz reported these travels or sought the necessary permissions from his military superiors. There's also ambiguity surrounding whether he maintained a security clearance during his time in service.

Investigation Initiated by House Armed Services Subcommittee

Concerns about potential foreign influence and the security implications of these travels prompted action from Capitol Hill.

On Aug. 13, Chairman Jim Banks of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and acting Chief of the National Guard Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, seeking detailed information on Walz's travels and the permissions involved.

Following this inquiry, a Pentagon spokesperson said that Secretary Austin would respond "in due course." However, more than two weeks later, the response remains pending, fueling further speculation and concern among lawmakers and the public.

Meanwhile, inquiries from media outlets such as Breitbart News regarding Walz’s security clearance and travel permissions went unanswered by the Minnesota National Guard, raising additional questions about the transparency and oversight of such sensitive matters.

Experts Question Security Clearance Protocols

A retired senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) suggested that at least an interim security clearance is standard for most staff sergeants in the Army National Guard, which includes mandatory reporting of all foreign travels. This raises concerns about whether Walz adhered to these critical reporting procedures.

Security clearance expert Sean Bigley remarked on the severity of receiving foreign funds for travel, describing it as "almost a guaranteed denial" of clearance, due to potential obligations to the funding entity. This point underscores the gravity of Walz's frequent travels funded, at least in part, by the Chinese government.

John Schindler, a former NSA counterintelligence officer, also weighed in, suggesting that Walz’s extensive and frequent travels would not have been possible without the tacit approval of Chinese authorities, which could complicate security clearance issues.

Political Implications of the Walz Travel Saga

Banks has been vocal about his concerns, stating, "The Biden-Harris DOD is once again putting politics ahead of our national security. Tim Walz is bought and paid for by the Chinese Communist Party and doesn’t belong anywhere near the White House."

According to house Oversight Committee chair James Comer, Walz's connections "to CCP-connected entities and officials" may make him susceptible to Chinese strategies aimed at influencing U.S. policies. These allegations have not only political ramifications but also national security implications, given Walz's current position on the presidential ticket.

Michael Sobolik, an expert in China studies, pointed out that by Walz’s own admission, his trips were significantly funded by the Chinese government, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.

Historical Context of Walz's Military and Political Career

Walz's military career began long before his political aspirations, with his first trip to China occurring in December 1989.

He continued to visit frequently, often under the guise of educational exchanges, until 2003. These trips have become a focal point due to their frequency and the context in which they were made.

Walz retired from the military in 2005, two years earlier than his original commitment, which was slated to end in 2007. He cited a desire to pursue political opportunities as the reason for his early retirement, which eventually led to his role as governor of Minnesota and now, a vice-presidential candidate.

As the scrutiny around his past and the lack of forthcoming responses from the Pentagon continue, the transparency and decisions of those in higher office remain critical to understanding the potential implications of these travels on national security and governance.