Amid growing presidential election fervor, vice-presidential hopeful Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz faces allegations over ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Walz is facing scrutiny for his past connections to China as critics fear potential national security risks if he were to become VP, as Newsmax reports.

Gordon Chang and former deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates recently voiced concerns about Walz's affiliations, which they believe could compromise U.S. security.

This comes shortly after Vice President Kamala Harris announced Walz as her running mate in the upcoming election.

Walz's Background and Its Impact on National Security

Chang detailed that Walz has been involved with China since his days as an educator, where he facilitated student trips to the country. He also founded Educational Travel Adventures, focusing on educational exchanges.

According to Chang, such initiatives required approval from the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department, known for influencing foreign governance.

"Go back to his contacts in China and all of those trips for high school students and also the establishment of his company, Educational Travel Adventures. Those could not have been approved without the Communist Party's United Front Work Department stamp of approval," Chang stated.

Comparing Walz to Historical Political Figures

Coates drew parallels between Walz and historical figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, who once expressed admiration for the Soviet Union. She expressed deep concerns about Walz's capability to inadvertently open doors for Chinese influence within the U.S. government.

"Gov. Walz is an equally dangerous ideologue who has obvious connections to China and vulnerabilities there. And my concern is that they would see him as the back door to the president in the form of Kamala Harris and that they would both be severely compromised by America's greatest national security challenge," Coates elaborated.

The Role of the United Front Work Department

Chang further emphasized the role of the United Front Work Department in Walz's dealings. He described it as a faction of the Communist Party dedicated to undermining foreign governments, hinting at a systemic pattern in Walz's engagements with China over decades.

"And the United Front Work Department is actually the part of the Communist Party that works to subvert foreign governments. So this is a continual pattern over the course of decades," Chang added.

This revelation comes at a time when the U.S. is increasingly vigilant about foreign influences on its political systems, especially from rivals like China.

Educational Initiatives and Foreign Policy Implications

Walz's initiatives in China were not just educational but also held potential foreign policy implications. Establishing an educational exchange might seem benign, but the approval from a foreign political party raises questions about the underlying intentions and the extent of the interactions.

The scrutiny of Walz's past activities underscores a broader concern about the influence of foreign governments in U.S. politics, particularly at such a high level of potential power.

As the election approaches, the focus on Walz's past with China is likely to intensify, prompting calls for thorough vetting and possibly affecting his and Harris's campaign.

Public and Political Reactions to Allegations

The allegations against Walz have sparked a variety of reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters argue that international educational exchanges are commonplace and not indicative of deeper political ties.

However, critics insist that the specific nature of Walz's interactions with the CCP-linked entities warrants a more detailed investigation to ensure no national security risks are overlooked.

As debates continue, the American public and policymakers alike are keenly observing the unfolding developments, waiting to see how these accusations might impact the upcoming vice-presidential candidature and the broader national security landscape.