Democrat Governor Walz suggests China has ‘moral authority’ to negotiate peace in Middle East

Former Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., made a bold statement suggesting that China could be the voice of “moral authority” in the wake of Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leaders. Speaking at a Center for American Progress event, Walz discussed the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the need for a neutral actor to lead negotiations.

Walz highlighted the United States’ historical attempts to mediate in the Middle East, particularly during the Iran Nuclear Deal. However, he acknowledged that the U.S. may not be perceived as a neutral actor in the region. This led him to propose that China, with its growing global influence, could potentially take on the role of leading peace negotiations in the Middle East.

While Walz did not delve into the specifics of why he believed China could be a world leader in peace negotiations, his comments sparked debate and speculation. This is not the first time Walz’s ties to China have come under scrutiny. During his brief stint as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 presidential election, questions were raised about his connections to Chinese entities involved in medical research.

Fox News Digital reported on Walz’s longstanding support for a medical research institute in Minnesota that has collaborated with a firm labeled as a “Chinese military company” by the Pentagon. Additionally, Walz was found to have celebrated the Chinese New Year with top Chinese leaders, raising concerns about his ties to the Chinese government.

The Center for American Progress, which hosted the event where Walz made his remarks, also has controversial ties to China. Founder John Podesta has close connections to Tung Chee-hwa, a prominent Chinese Communist Party official. These connections add a layer of complexity to the discussion surrounding China’s potential role in global peace negotiations.

Despite the provocative nature of Walz’s comments, they were not further explored during the event. Instead, the focus shifted to the sarcastic remarks made by CEO Neera Tanden about Fox News host Pete Hegseth being the secretary of defense. The conversation underscored the ongoing debate about the role of the United States versus China in shaping global diplomacy.

In conclusion, Walz’s suggestion that China could be the voice of “moral authority” in peace negotiations highlights the evolving dynamics of global politics. As the world grapples with complex geopolitical challenges, the role of emerging powers like China will continue to be a topic of debate and discussion.