[Text/Observer Network Chen Sijia] On June 13, Israel launched a large-scale air strike against Iran, targeting dozens of sites related to its nuclear program and other military facilities. Several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists were killed in the attack. In response, Iran struck back at Israel with missile and drone attacks later that evening.

As tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply, Tim Walz, the current governor of Minnesota and former Democratic candidate for U.S. vice president, stated on June 13 that he believed only a "morally authoritative neutral actor" could promote peace talks and reach agreements in the Middle East, but the United States clearly did not meet this standard, and China might be the only country capable of easing the tense situation in the region.

Walz participated in an event held by the Center for American Progress, a think tank, on June 13. Host Neera Tanden asked him about his views on Israel's air strike against Iran: "I think we need to ask in our discussion what you think about last night's events. From many perspectives, there are major events happening today, and Israel's attack on Iran is escalating—I don't think I can emphasize this enough. What are your thoughts?"

Walz replied: "I am very concerned now. I am sure that many 'great strategic thinkers' in the Trump administration would say what will happen next—you know, the president (Trump) posted today: 'I told them they should take action now, and this is how it is.' The Middle East is once again plunged into war, and it is expanding."

He commented: "I'm sure Iran will retaliate. Now, who in the world can bring about some kind of agreement? Who has moral authority? Who has the ability to do so? We are not seen as a neutral entity. I don't want to say this about anyone, but we may never have been. Many people would say that you always lean toward one side in this matter, but I think at least someone tried to act as an arbitrator to some extent."

Walz recalled: "In the 1970s, the Carter administration in the United States helped facilitate peace agreements between Israel and Egypt. We achieved some victories along the way, and these successes were mutually beneficial." He then said: "Now, I want to ask, who can do it. We will have to face reality over and over again, and that might be China."

Tim Walz participating in an event hosted by the Center for American Progress Video screenshot

Walz's remarks immediately sparked anger among some American conservatives. The New York Post reported on June 13, bringing up Walz's work experience in China, using it to claim that Walz was "close to China," and attempting to slander China for "influencing" Walz. The New York Post also attacked Walz as a "failed candidate," calling his remarks "shocking."

After graduating with a Bachelor of Social Science Education in 1989, Walz went to China to teach at a high school in Foshan, Guangdong Province, for a year.

In a letter displayed by the Minnesota International Chinese School during the Spring Festival in 2021, Walz praised the school for achieving a "very important milestone," emphasizing the long-standing ties between Minnesota and China, which were rapidly expanding through increasing educational, trade, and investment opportunities between the two countries.

American Fox News also used these records to attack Walz, claiming he "promoted Chinese influence." Fox News also targeted the liberal-leaning think tank, the Center for American Progress, whose founder John Podesta (John Podesta) had "close ties" with China, suggesting the organization's relationship with China was questionable.

The reports by Fox News and other American media received support from some American conservative supporters, who harshly criticized Walz as a "fool" and "anti-American" on social media. However, some Americans also expressed support on social media, believing that the U.S. only supported Israel's interests and that America's global influence had greatly diminished.

A netizen commented: "This article is quite biased, trying to criticize him, but the basic facts in his speech are obvious. America's strength and influence have declined." Others said: "He is right; no one expects the U.S. to play a global leadership role anymore. Why would they? Those days are gone forever."

Others pointed out that the U.S. was too biased toward Israel in conflicts in the Middle East. "Obviously, Israel gets what it wants because it is Israel. The conflict will not end until Israel says so, and they will decide the terms, while the U.S. will support all conditions without exception."

Iran and the U.S. had originally planned to hold the sixth round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Masqat, Oman, on June 15. However, after Israel's air strikes, the Iranian government announced on June 13 morning that it would suspend the negotiations until further notice. U.S. President Trump also issued a threat, stating that "the next attack will be even more brutal," warning Iran to quickly reach a nuclear agreement with the U.S. before "everything is lost."

Reuters reported that Trump had repeatedly urged Israel to delay its attacks on Iran to give diplomacy more time. However, in a series of interviews on June 13, Trump described Israel's attacks as "very excellent" and "very successful." Reuters believes that this change in attitude indicates that Trump is willing to use military force to thwart Iran's nuclear program and suggests that he knows more than he is willing to publicly discuss.

On June 13 local time, the UN Security Council held an emergency public meeting on the situation between Israel and Iran. Representatives from Iran and Israel accused each other of being global risks. The Iranian representative also accused the U.S. of being a "co-conspirator" in Israel's attack.

According to Reuters, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Ilavani accused Israel of attempting to "kill diplomacy, disrupt negotiations, and drag the region into a wider conflict," and claimed its collusion with Washington was "undeniable."

Ilavani said in his speech, "Those who support this regime led by the U.S. must understand that they are accomplices. They assisted and abetted these crimes and should bear full responsibility for the consequences."

Regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran, Chinese Permanent Representative to the United Nations Fu Cong stated on June 13 at the emergency public meeting of the UN Security Council on the Middle East situation that China condemns Israel's actions that infringe upon Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and urges Israel to immediately stop all military adventurism.

This article is an exclusive contribution by Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7515765040381805068/

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