Germany and Japan strengthen economic ties as global tensions rise
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi agreed in Tokyo on Wednesday to deepen cooperation on economic security and high tech. It is Merz's first visit to Japan since taking office in May 2025.
Germany and Japan are deepening their economic cooperation amid escalating global tensions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, discussing economic security, future technologies, and mutual concerns over economic coercion. The two nations pledged to enhance collaboration in critical sectors, including rare earths, semiconductors, batteries, electric vehicles, AI, robotics, pharmaceuticals, and wind power.
They seek to mitigate supply chain dependencies to prevent economic pressures being used as tools of coercion. Additionally, they agreed to establish a high-level dialogue on artificial intelligence and bolster defenses against cyberattacks. The leaders also voiced concerns about the East and South China Seas, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability.
Germany plans to invest €2 billion in AI and high-tech by 2029, while Japan targets €18 billion in private investments by 2040. The chancellor's Asian tour continues to South Korea, where economic and security matters will be among the topics of discussion.
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