Overview
- President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier used a speech at Peking University on Thursday to publicly press China to uphold a rules‑based international order, reduce unfair economic imbalances and use its influence on Russia to push for negotiations over the Ukraine war.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded a multi‑stop Asia trip on Thursday and Friday by upgrading ties with South Korea to a “deepened strategic partnership” and agreeing a Korean‑German High‑Tech Framework focused on microelectronics, industrial AI and robotics.
- Merz also proposed forming a network of like‑minded states for free, rule‑based trade to limit unilateral trade barriers and political leverage over key technologies and supply routes.
- The two visits followed different formats by design: Steinmeier traveled without a major business delegation and emphasized cultural and scientific engagement, while Merz led a large corporate delegation to Seoul to secure commercial and technology links.
- Both moves reflect growing German concern about China’s state subsidies and Russia’s war in Ukraine and aim to diversify partners for semiconductors, AI and other critical technologies to strengthen economic security and protect jobs and supply chains in Europe.