Protectionism is not conducive to improving the living standards of citizens, Herman Van Rompuy, the former president of the European Council, said when answering a question on challenges to multilateralism at the ongoing 8th World Peace Forum in Beijing on Monday.

He stressed we should resolve our differences through dialogue rather than trade war. There is no doubt that the order of multilateralism in multilateral institutions is very important, he noted.

He said protectionism is not conducive to improving the living standards of citizens in a country, and the improvement of people's living standards and people's pursuit of a better life are humanity’s common and broader goals.

He said that sometimes the process will cause us some doubts. But looking back on history, he believes the voice of rationality will win in the end.