German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun a four-day trip to Asia from Singapore, with stops in Japan and South Korea, to promote cooperation and trade. Merz highlighted the need for Europe and Asia to assert their interests in a changing global order, marked by “renewed great power rivalry”, according to Deutsche Welle.

In response to unpredictable US tariffs and Chinese restrictions, Merz presented Germany and Europe as stable poles for investment and collaboration. Europe aims to expand partnerships for free trade, open competition, and a rules-based order, promoting greater international investment.

After meeting with Singapore's Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, Merz expressed confidence in European investment opportunities. He proposed a new free trade agreement between the European Union and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), twelve countries, excluding the USA and China. Wong confirmed Singapore's intention to continue investing.

Merz and Wong agreed to strengthen cooperation in security, defense, trade, investment, sustainable energy, and AI. This understanding underscores the commitment to forge stability and prosperity in the current geopolitical landscape through multilateral and collaborative solutions.