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Merz invites Japan to back trade alliance as China asks Germany to be 'rational'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Japan during a business summit in Tokyo to support a new global trade alliance of like-minded partners to defend rules-based commerce and counter economic coercion and tariffs. The two nations also targeted closer ties on critical minerals, adopted an economic security declaration, and agreed to launch a new artificial intelligence dialogue framework. Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beijing that China is willing to import more German products while asking Germany to remain rational on trade issues.

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  • ✓ German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Japan to back a proposed global trade alliance during a business summit in Tokyo.
  • ✓ Japanese and German leaders adopted an economic security declaration and targeted closer ties on critical minerals.
  • ✓ Japan and Germany agreed to launch a new artificial intelligence dialogue framework.
  • ✓ Chinese Premier Li Qiang told visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier that China is willing to import more German products.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 14 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Japan and proposed a trade alliance while leaders adopted an economic security declaration.

Live updates

  1. German Chancellor Merz Urges Japan to Join Trade Alliance

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Japan during a business summit in Tokyo to support a new global trade alliance of like-minded partners to defend rules-based commerce and counter economic coercion and tariffs. The two nations also targeted closer ties on critical minerals, adopted an economic security declaration, and agreed to launch a new artificial intelligence dialogue framework. Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beijing that China is willing to import more German products while asking Germany to remain rational on trade issues.

    Why it matters

    The diplomatic developments unfold as global powers reshape trade routes and supply chains amid rising international tensions. Germany and Japan are actively strengthening their economic and technological cooperation to build resilience. Simultaneously, Beijing is engaging Berlin directly to urge pragmatic and rational trade policies.

    What is confirmed

    • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Japan to back a proposed global trade alliance during a business summit in Tokyo.
    • Japanese and German leaders adopted an economic security declaration and targeted closer ties on critical minerals.
    • Japan and Germany agreed to launch a new artificial intelligence dialogue framework.
    • Chinese Premier Li Qiang told visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier that China is willing to import more German products.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Germany is weighing a potential role in the GCAP fighter jet program, according to remarks made by Merz during his visit to Japan.

    What to watch next

    • Decisions by Japan on whether to join the proposed German-backed trade alliance
    • Further formal agreements regarding the GCAP fighter jet program and critical minerals partnership
    Sources used for this update (17)
    1. Reuters — Merz invites Japan to back trade alliance as China asks Germany to be 'rational'
    2. U.S. News & World Report — Germany Weighs Role in GCAP Fighter Jet Program, Says Merz on Japan Visit
    3. Yahoo — Japan, Germany leaders target closer ties on critical minerals
    4. nippon.com — Japanese, German Leaders Adopt Economic Security Declaration
    5. The Japan Times — Takaichi and Merz pledge to boost economic security and tech cooperation
    6. Yahoo — Germany and Japan strengthen economic ties as global tensions rise
    7. Yahoo — Germany's Merz proposes new alliance to defend global trade rules
    8. Rare Earth Exchanges — Germany Japan Critical Minerals Partnership Explained
    9. Japan Today — Germany weighs role in GCAP fighter jet program, says Merz
    10. News On Japan — Japan and Germany Agree to Launch New AI Dialogue Framework
    11. uk.finance.yahoo.com — China willing to import more German goods, Premier Li says
    12. www.asahi.com — Merz invites Japan to back trade alliance as China asks ...
    confidence 100%
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