Former Japanese PM: Multilateralism should be based on rules, not power

In a video recently posted on the Beijing Xiangshan Forum's official X account (@XiangshanForum), former prime minister of Japan Yukio Hatoyama called for dialogue and multilateral efforts to prevent conflicts from escalating, stressing that multilateralism should be based on rules rather than power.

Speaking at the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Hatoyama, who is also president of the East Asian Community Institute, said it was a great honor to address the forum, which brings together defense experts from around the world.

Hatoyama said that although some political leaders attempt to start wars to divert attention from domestic problems, there have been many instances in which defense professionals have offered calm and restrained judgments.

"I sincerely hope that the Beijing Xiangshan Forum will make an important contribution in a world where conflicts are increasingly intensified," he said.

Hatoyama also highlighted the importance of multilateral efforts. "When some countries seek to achieve their objectives through their own doctrines or methods, we need multilateral efforts to deter such behavior and prevent the worst possible outcomes," he said.

He added that multilateralism aimed at ensuring equality within the international community should operate based on rules rather than power and ensure the participation of all countries.