Failed vice presidential candidate and current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz believes that identifying who holds “moral authority” could determine the world’s ability to negotiate peace between Israel and Iran. During a Center for American Progress panel, he noted that the U.S. “is not seen as a neutral actor,” and suggested that it “might be the Chinese” who step into that role.
He began by condemning the “situation in Gaza” and supporting “a two‑state solution where we can allow folks to live peacefully and coexist.” Then Walz posed the central question: “Who is the voice in the world that can negotiate some type of agreement in this? Who holds the moral authority, who holds the ability to do that?” He concluded, “It might be the Chinese.”
Walz’s remarks surfaced amid heightened tensions after Israel carried out pre‑emptive airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, reportedly killing over 20 senior military officials and six scientists. Iran responded by firing roughly 150 missiles aimed at civilian infrastructure—nearly half intercepted—into Israeli territory. He emphasized that U.S. efforts toward a two‑state accord remain ongoing.
Critics quickly flagged the irony in Walz’s comment, questioning whether China—the world’s leading human‑rights abuser—could genuinely claim moral leadership. Beijing has faced widespread condemnation over the Uyghurs and its tightening grip on Hong Kong.
This suggestion also reflects a pattern in Walz’s worldview. The governor previously praised China’s social systems in the 1990s, describing them as “everyone shares” with equal access to housing and food. Though later correcting the timeline of his presence during Tiananmen, Walz has acknowledged that he “misspoke.”
