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Merz proposes global alliance to defend free trade

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz led a delegation, including Quantum Systems and Airbus Defence & Space, to Singapore, South Korea and Japan.
Merz said freedom and peace require military strength during a speech at the German-Japanese Business Summit in Tokyo.
Merz proposed a global alliance of like-minded nations to defend rules-based free trade alongside the WTO.
He called for tighter EU links to free-trade agreements and new deals with ASEAN and the CPTPP.

Summary

South Korea and German companies signed nine memoranda of understanding to support startups, electricity, energy and bio-health.
Prime Minister Han Seong Sook said German firms view Korea as a hub for Asia-Pacific expansion.
Asian partners warned the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act could become a new form of protectionism.
EU governments and the European Parliament must approve the Act’s final text, with approval expected next year.

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Merz Proposes Alliance

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz led a delegation, including Quantum Systems and Airbus Defence & Space, to Singapore, South Korea and Japan.
Merz said freedom and peace require military strength during a speech at the German-Japanese Business Summit in Tokyo.
Merz proposed a global alliance of like-minded nations to defend rules-based free trade alongside the WTO.
He called for tighter EU links to free-trade agreements and new deals with ASEAN and the CPTPP.

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