German chancellor urges global trade alliance as Germany deepens Indo-Pacific ties

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for a global political alliance aimed at defending rules-based trade, emphasizing the need for Germany and Indo-Pacific economies to bolster economic partnerships and diversify supply chains amidst growing geopolitical tensions and intensifying competition between the United States and China.

During the inauguration of the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) in Seoul on Friday, Merz suggested the formation of a global political alliance to safeguard the international trading system and coordinate joint efforts to counter threats to trade. He warned that when supply chains are manipulated as political tools, access to crucial technologies is jeopardized, and the procurement of raw materials becomes a means of exerting power instead of fostering fair partnerships, it undermines economic growth, prosperity, and security.

Merz stressed that countries that break away from global trade lose security, innovative capabilities, prosperity, and the capacity to act. He expressed Germany's intention not to withdraw but to broaden its freedom of action. Shifting to bilateral relations, Merz highlighted the strengthening of ties between Germany and Korea.