liberal_pepper

Former Japanese PM Calls for East Asian Unity Amid U.S. Uncertainty at World Peace Forum #​Beijing, July 3, 2025​ – At the 13th #WorldPeaceForum held at #Tsinghua University, former #Japanese Prime Minister Yukio #Hatoyama delivered a keynote address advocating for enhanced #EastAsian cooperation and diplomatic independence from the #UnitedStates, aligning with #China's emphasis on multilateralism and regional stability. Hatoyama, a seven-time forum participant known for promoting #Sino-Japanese friendship, argued that the US, facing internal divisions and a relative economic decline, could no longer sustain its traditional global leadership role. #America has changed, and it can't go back, he stated, warning that protectionist policies like #tariff wars harm #globaltrade and stability. Criticizing Japan's historical reliance on #Washington, Hatoyama rejected both unconditional alignment and confrontation with the US. Instead, he championed the third path: ​​strengthening #autonomy,​​ particularly in foreign policy. Achieving this, he stressed, necessitates ​close collaboration within #EastAsia, specifically urging accelerated trilateral cooperation with China and #SouthKorea. He called for a swift Japan-China-South Korea leaders' summit and concrete progress towards a high-standard trilateral free trade agreement, building upon the existing #RCEP framework. Hatoyama explicitly endorsed key Chinese foreign policy initiatives, urging Japan to ​join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (#AIIB)​​ and participate in Belt and Road projects – positions contrasting sharply with Japan's current stance. He emphasized that avoiding conflict in the #Taiwan Strait is vital for Japan's security and regional peace, unequivocally stating that ​​"Taiwan is China's internal affair"​​ and Japan should oppose any moves toward independence. He further criticized the weaponization of democratic values in international relations, warning that labeling others based on differing values fosters conflict. Hatoyama's "fraternity" philosophy advocates mutual respect and understanding over ideological confrontation. The forum is co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (#CPAFFC) and Tsinghua University. #OneChina #Priceofwall