API
< Back to all clusters
[INTERNATIONAL] · Germany, Singapore, Japan, South Korea · 52 sources

started · updated

Chancellor Merz begins Asia tour to strengthen trade and security ties

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has commenced a four-day diplomatic tour of Asia, beginning in Singapore to expand the strategic partnership between Germany and the city-state. During meetings with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the leaders agreed on a work plan to enhance cooperation in security, defense, trade, investment, green energy, and artificial intelligence.

In Singapore, Merz delivered the “Singapore Lecture” to outline Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy, emphasizing the need for open trade routes and reduced dependence on China. As a gesture of diplomatic honor, a new orchid variety, Vanda Friedrich Merz, was named after him.

The Chancellor’s itinerary continues with visits to Japan and South Korea. In Tokyo, Merz is expected to meet with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss G7 economic ties, specifically regarding semiconductors, hydrogen energy, and critical raw materials. He also proposed the creation of a new political alliance to defend a rules-based global trade order and suggested an EU-wide free trade agreement with the CPTPP. In the defense sector, Germany is actively evaluating whether to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint fighter jet project led by Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Entities

Friedrich Merz · Germany · Lawrence Wong · Sanae Takaichi · Singapore · Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources