In a turn of events so bizarre it sounds more like a parody of 2024 politics than reality, Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz is reportedly considering relocating to China. Yes, China—because when you’re being roasted by the media, mocked by distant relatives in Trump shirts, and dunked on by Shaquille O’Neal, apparently the next logical step is to move to a country with 1.4 billion people who don’t know who you are. According to those close to Walz, he’s been telling anyone who will listen, “That’s where I belong.”

And really, who can blame him? When you’re surrounded by critics constantly questioning your military record, political opponents dragging your name through the mud, and even your own relatives siding with your rival, you start thinking maybe a fresh start isn’t such a bad idea. But why China? Of all the places in the world, why would the governor of Minnesota—where the closest thing to Chinese culture is a decent takeout place in Minneapolis—decide that the People’s Republic is his new home sweet home?

It’s no secret that Tim Walz has had a rough year. The controversies surrounding his military service and his alleged “stolen valor” have been following him like an unwanted shadow. Opponents claim Walz retired from the National Guard just before his unit was deployed to Iraq, and despite his repeated explanations, the accusations stick like bad political glue. But that’s not all.

In one of the more peculiar family betrayals in political history, Walz’s distant relatives went viral after being spotted wearing “Walz’s for Trump” T-shirts. Yes, Trump. Imagine the sting of not only losing distant relatives to a political rival but watching them parade around in merch that puts your name right next to the guy who’d probably rather be golfing than discussing policy. Ouch.

And then there’s Shaq. In a story so strange it sounds made up, the former NBA legend and current fast-food mogul Shaquille O’Neal reportedly threw Walz out of his restaurant, Big Chicken, telling him, “You’re a disappointment.” If having your family support Trump isn’t enough to crush your spirit, getting called out by Shaq during a dinner run certainly will.

In the wake of these public humiliations, Walz has reached what some might call a “breaking point.” According to insiders, Walz has been quietly researching the logistics of moving to China. “He’s just fed up,” said one anonymous source within the Walz campaign. “After all the scandals, the media backlash, and the lack of respect he feels, he’s decided that maybe America isn’t the place for him anymore.”

China, of course, offers a certain appeal. For one, the leadership there doesn’t have to deal with constant heckling from the opposition, let alone snide remarks from distant relatives. In China, respect for authority isn’t just a cultural tradition—it’s practically mandatory. Walz has reportedly been overheard saying, “They know how to get things done over there. You don’t see their leaders being dragged through the mud every five minutes.”

So, what would life look like for Tim Walz in China? For starters, he’d be free from the political drama that has engulfed him in the United States. No more accusations of “stolen valor,” no more public family feuds, and, perhaps most importantly, no more Shaq to hurl insults his way. In China, he’d be just another foreigner in a country where nobody’s asking if his military uniform is authentic.

Walz has reportedly been telling friends, “In China, I could just be me. I could wake up every morning, look out at the mountains, and not worry about what my cousins are doing on social media.” And while the governor doesn’t speak a word of Mandarin, insiders say he’s confident he could pick it up quickly enough. “Look, if I can survive a gubernatorial race in Minnesota, I can learn a new language,” he reportedly joked. “I mean, how hard can it be?”

The governor is also said to be fascinated by China’s infrastructure projects, which, in his eyes, are a marvel of efficiency. “They build cities overnight,” he mused in one conversation. “Here, I can’t get a highway fixed without three years of debate and another three years of construction.”

The million-dollar question is: Would China actually welcome Tim Walz with open arms? While there’s been no official comment from the Chinese government, some analysts speculate that Walz could indeed find a place in the rapidly modernizing nation. “China likes people who respect order and authority,” said one international relations expert. “If Walz is serious about his admiration for their system, he might just fit in. But the real question is: How would he handle the lack of Twitter?”

On the flip side, it’s hard to imagine the Chinese government being particularly excited about a disgruntled American politician setting up shop in Beijing. “They have their own issues to deal with,” said another political observer. “I’m not sure they need Tim Walz explaining how to fix potholes or deal with family drama.”

There’s also the small matter of the 2024 election to consider. Walz is, after all, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee. Abandoning the campaign trail to move to China would be, well, unprecedented. But then again, this entire year has been one long, strange parade of unprecedented events. If Walz does decide to pack up and head to Beijing, it would leave the Democratic ticket in utter disarray. Not to mention the media frenzy that would surely follow.

Political pundits are already speculating about how this potential move could impact the election. “This could either be a brilliant move or a complete disaster,” said one commentator. “On one hand, it’s a way for Walz to distance himself from the constant scandals. On the other hand, it makes him look like he’s running away from the problems rather than facing them.”

For now, it’s unclear whether Tim Walz will actually follow through with his plan to move to China. His campaign team is reportedly doing everything they can to talk him out of it, but Walz seems more determined than ever to escape the relentless scrutiny and disrespect he feels here in the U.S.

“Look, I’ve given this country everything I’ve got,” Walz reportedly told a close friend. “And what do I get in return? Criticism, scandals, and Shaq calling me a disappointment. I don’t need this. I belong somewhere where people appreciate hard work, where leaders get respect, and where distant relatives don’t go viral for supporting Trump. China… China might just be where I belong.”

Whether Walz actually goes through with his plan remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: If he does move to China, it’ll be the strangest political career move since Arnold Schwarzenegger decided to run for governor of California.