Merz invites Japan into trade alliance

Speaking in Tokyo, Merz argued that like-minded countries could coordinate responses to tariffs and economic coercion. China called on Germany and the European Union to remain objective and rational in their trade relations.

The initiative seeks to reduce the vulnerability of international supply chains to competition between major economies. Germany's trade deficit with the Asia-Pacific region could approach €146 billion in 2026. However, the proposed alliance has not become a formal agreement, and its membership remains undefined.