Minnesota Governor Appoints Chang Wang to Advisory Board

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has faced criticism for appointing Chang Wang, an attorney with ties to the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD), to the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans. Wang, who has served on the council since May 2020 and is currently its interim chair, is affiliated with a political faction that is loyal to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The council advises state agencies on issues affecting Asian Pacific Minnesotans and has spent over half a million dollars in taxpayer funds in 2023. CAPD operates under the CCP's supervision and is recognized for its allegiance to the party. This appointment has raised concerns among Republican lawmakers, including Rep. James Comer, who intends to investigate Walz's connections to China. Walz, who has visited China multiple times, has defended his record against the CCP and emphasized his commitment to human rights and American jobs.