Friedrich Merz Urges Asia-Europe Ties to Counter China

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for closer trade and security cooperation between Europe and Asia during a visit to Singapore on Tuesday. Speaking ahead of scheduled trips to Japan and South Korea, Merz argued that coordinated responses are necessary to address violations of free and fair trade. He specifically cited the risk that surging exports and high-end manufacturing from China could hollow out European industries.

Merz stated that China bears a "particular responsibility for order, peace, and security in the Indo-Pacific" and urged the country to stop supporting Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. These remarks follow a consensus reached between Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron to implement tougher European Union trade instruments. These measures include safeguards designed to reduce imports of Chinese chemicals, furniture, and machinery.