Politics · Germany · 4 mins ago
Merz begins Asia trip to deepen trade and security ties
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun a trip to Singapore, Japan and South Korea to strengthen ties with the region.
In Singapore, he is due to meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and deliver a foreign policy speech; he will then visit Japan and South Korea.
Thirty senior businesspeople are travelling with Merz, including representatives of industry, technology, defence and energy companies.
Germany wants to deepen trade and technology partnerships and reduce its reliance on China for key supplies.
The region faces security tensions, including disputes involving China, while Germany is focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Disruptions to trade in Asia could affect Germany’s supply chains, so stronger partnerships matter beyond the region.
Merz’s schedule includes talks with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and, in South Korea, the opening of a conference of German businesses in Asia.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began a tour of Singapore, Japan and South Korea to strengthen economic and strategic ties.
The trip includes meetings with leaders, a foreign-policy lecture in Singapore and business events in Japan and South Korea.
Merz is accompanied by 30 senior businesspeople from German industry, technology, defence and energy companies.
Germany says closer partnerships in the region can help diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China.
Security concerns include regional tensions involving China, Russia and North Korea, as well as risks to global trade.
- Who
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accompanied by a delegation of senior businesspeople.
- What
- He is visiting Singapore, Japan and South Korea to deepen economic and strategic ties.
- When
- The tour began on Monday, October 26, 2026; his Singapore visit is scheduled for October 27 to 28.
- Where
- Singapore, Japan and South Korea.
- Why
- To strengthen partnerships, economic links and supply-chain resilience amid geopolitical and trade risks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Merz began his five-day Asia tour, travelling first to Singapore.
Merz is scheduled to make his first official visit to Singapore and meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Merz is scheduled to travel to Japan to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and attend the German-Japanese Business Summit.
Merz is due to visit South Korea and open the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business.
- Delegation
- 30 senior businesspeople
- Singapore visit
- October 27–28, 2026
- Singapore lecture
- 49th Singapore Lecture
- Germany–Singapore trade
- €11.8 billion annually
- German companies in Singapore
- Nearly 2,400 companies and 45,000 jobs
- Tour duration
- Five days according to DW; four days according to Handelsblatt
6 sources
Deutschlands Top-Bosse fliegen mit - Merz auf Milliarden-Mission im Orchideen-Staat
Kanzler auf Asienreise: Wirtschaft, Sicherheit und eine Orchidee: Merz in Singapur
Germany's Merz heads to Asia as security issues loom large
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to make first official visit to Singapore from Oct 27 to 28
Der Kanzler reist nach Asien: In Singapur, Japan und Südkorea kann Merz einiges lernen
What people are saying
For more than a decade, Japan has been looking to generate new security allies and closer trade partnerships
Japan and Germany have different primary security threats at the moment, with Germany focused on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Japan keeping a close watch on China, North Korea and Russia, but I do believe that Germany has come more into line with Takaichi's perception of the security threat that is posed by China