Merz calls for a new alliance for rules-based trade on his trip to Asia

Chancellor in Japan Merz calls for new global trade alliance As of: October 28, 2026 • 6:05 p.m

During his visit to Japan, Chancellor Merz called for an alliance for compliant global trade. This would make it easier to respond to unauthorized tariffs. Germany is the third largest economy in the world and Japan is the fourth largest.

During his trip to Asia, Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed the establishment of a “global political alliance for rule-based trade”. The aim of such an alliance should be to defend, strengthen and further develop rules-based trade “including the WTO,” he said in Tokyo.

Merz pointed out that to date, 70 percent of world trade is conducted according to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO). On Tuesday in Singapore, the first stop on his trip, the Chancellor had already spoken out in favor of an EU-ASEAN free trade agreement and the EU moving closer to the trans-Pacific initiative CPTPP.

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On the second part of his trip to Asia, Merz met Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. At the meeting of the governments of the world's third and fourth largest economies, Merz described Japan as a "neighbour" and partner in values, despite the geographical distance. Takaichi spoke of a “premium partnership”.

In Tokyo, Merz said that a new alliance could provide political impulses and also react together "if the rules-based trading order comes into danger." This alliance of like-minded partners could advance the urgently needed WTO reform. Merz added, alluding to the USA and China, that we can work together to ensure that other states refrain from impermissible tariffs or coercion.

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The Chancellor called for closer cooperation between Germany and Japan and other countries. “Regardless of whether we are large, small or middle powers: If we move forward together, the question will no longer be whether we are on the menu or sitting at the table. Instead, to stay with the metaphor, we will own the restaurant together,” said Merz, alluding to a statement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had also proposed an alliance of the middle powers as a response to the actions of the USA and China.

However, when asked about the USA, Merz emphasized that his move was not directed against anyone.

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In response to Merz's speech in Singapore, China's government emphasized its own willingness to cooperate. It is committed to working with all parties to maintain the stability and security of global industrial and supply chains, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.

China hopes that Germany and the European Union remain “objective and rational,” working with China as reliable partners and resolving differences through dialogue.

This topic in the program: The First | daily news | Oct 28, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. tagesschau.de | Asia trip: Merz continues his visit to Japan | Oct 28, 2026 | 5:00 p.m