Friedrich Merz warns middle powers face pressure from shifting global order
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the changing global order threatens middle powers across Europe and Asia as they navigate renewed great-power rivalry. Speaking in Singapore at the start of a four-day business trip, Merz said it was up to European and Asian nations to secure their positions in an international environment marked by unpredictable trade tariffs from the United States under President Donald Trump and trade restrictions from China.
We must assert our interests in an international environment shaped by renewed great-power rivalry,
Merz said during his visit, which also includes planned stops in Japan and South Korea. To counter trade pressures from Washington and Beijing, the German leader emphasized the stability offered by Germany and the rest of Europe.
Singapore and Germany commit to expanding trade and AI cooperation
Following a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Merz highlighted growing confidence in Germany and Europe as locations for investment. Under the federal government I lead, investment opportunities will be continuously improved,
Merz said, noting that he encountered a great deal of confidence regarding the European market during his discussions in Singapore.
Prime Minister Wong confirmed that investors and sovereign wealth funds from Singapore would maintain their financial commitments in Germany. Many of our investors, including our sovereign wealth funds, have been investing in Germany for a long time,
Wong said. They will continue to invest because they are confident that, in the long term, Germany and Europe have potential.
Both leaders agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation across several critical sectors, including security and defense, trade, investment, sustainable energy, and artificial intelligence.
Merz proposes new EU trade pact with Pacific nations
Merz called for a new free-trade agreement between the 27-member European Union and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The CPTPP links 12 countries across five continents, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, operating independently of both Washington and Beijing.
Europe seeks to expand partnerships that promote free trade based on open competition, reliability, and a rules-based order, according to the German chancellor. This strategy serves as a deliberate counterpoint to what is currently being seen in global trade relations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Merz’s Asia tour
What countries is Friedrich Merz visiting during his four-day trip?
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Singapore, Japan, and South Korea on his business-oriented tour to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Asian middle powers.
Which nations belong to the CPTPP trade pact proposed for an EU agreement?
The Trans-Pacific Partnership comprises 12 countries across five continents, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
What specific sectors did Merz and Lawrence Wong agree to expand?
Germany and Singapore agreed to broaden cooperation in security, defense, trade, investment, sustainable energy, and artificial intelligence.
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