Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama emphasized the need for East Asian solidarity and diplomatic independence during his keynote speech at the 13th World Peace Forum in Beijing, challenging traditional alliances and advocating for regional collaboration. The event, co-hosted by Tsinghua University and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, drew global policymakers and scholars to discuss pressing geopolitical issues.
Hatoyama, a longtime advocate of Sino-Japanese relations, argued that the U.S.'s "internal divisions and economic challenges" necessitate a strategic shift in Asia. "East Asia must chart its own course through cooperation, not confrontation," he stated, proposing accelerated trilateral collaboration with China and South Korea. His roadmap included reviving leadership summits and advancing a high-standard free trade agreement under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership framework.
The former leader surprised observers by endorsing China-led initiatives like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Belt and Road projects, urging Japan to reconsider its current stance. On cross-strait relations, he stressed: "Maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait is crucial. The Taiwan region is China's internal affair, and we must oppose any separatist actions."
Critiquing ideological polarization in global politics, Hatoyama championed "fraternity diplomacy" – prioritizing mutual understanding over value-based divisions. His remarks come amid growing interest in multipolar governance models and regional economic integration.
