Beijing, China — Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has urged East Asian nations to strengthen cooperation and assert greater diplomatic independence from the United States. Speaking at the 13th World Peace Forum at Tsinghua University on Thursday, Hatoyama emphasized the need for regional unity in the face of global challenges.
Known for his advocacy of Sino-Japanese friendship, Hatoyama highlighted that internal divisions and economic shifts have altered the U.S.’s ability to lead globally. "America has changed, and it can’t go back," he stated, cautioning that protectionist measures like tariff wars undermine global trade and stability.
Challenging Japan’s historic reliance on Washington, he advocated for a "third path" that strengthens autonomy, especially in foreign policy. "We should neither unconditionally align with nor confront the U.S.," Hatoyama said. He called for accelerated collaboration within East Asia, urging for a swift summit between Japan, China, and South Korea, and progress toward a high-standard trilateral free trade agreement building on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Hatoyama endorsed key Chinese initiatives, encouraging Japan to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and participate in Belt and Road projects. He stressed that avoiding conflict in the Taiwan Strait is crucial for Japan’s security and regional peace, stating unequivocally that "Taiwan is China’s internal affair," and Japan should oppose any moves toward "independence."
The former prime minister also criticized the use of democratic values as a tool in international relations, warning that labeling nations based on differing values fosters conflict. He championed his philosophy of "fraternity," promoting mutual respect and understanding over ideological disputes.
The World Peace Forum is co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Tsinghua University, bringing together leaders and thinkers to discuss global peace and cooperation.
