Germany’s Merz calls for stronger global trade partnerships
The chancellor is on a week-long Asia tour aimed at deepening defence and economic ties with like-minded countries as global trade faces pressure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently urged for the establishment of a global network of nations committed to free trade, based on international rules. He made this statement while in South Korea, on the final day of his four-day Asia trip. The Chancellor addressed the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in Seoul, emphasizing the need to unite against unilateralism, autocratic power politics, and violations of international law.
Merz highlighted the dangers of supply chains becoming political pawns, access to key technologies being obstructed, and raw material security turning into a display of power rather than fair partnerships. These issues undermine growth, prosperity, and the security of entire regions.
This call for a global free trade alliance was not a new one for Merz, as he had previously expressed similar sentiments in Singapore and Japan. The German government relies heavily on Korea as a central hub for expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, according to South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong Sook.
The issue of Germany's next president has gained urgency, with many advocating for the nation's first female head of state. Chancellor Merz, however, has been tight-lipped about his future plans. Meanwhile, Chancellor Merz is concluding his Asia tour, while President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is currently in China, where he is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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