German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Wednesday that Germany will pursue “strategic partnerships” with China during an upcoming trip, aiming to strengthen cooperation between Europe and the world’s second-largest economy at a time when the United States is leaning heavily on tariffs.
Speaking in Passau, Bavaria, Merz emphasized that foreign policy and economic policy can no longer be separated.
“We have a strategic interest in finding partners around the world who think and act like us, and who are willing to shape the future together so that our country remains prosperous and with a high level of social security,” he said.
Merz criticized U.S. tariff policies, warning that they could further harm Germany’s already fragile economy:
“If the Americans believe that through their tariff policy they must exert influence worldwide, if they believe tariffs are more important than domestic taxation, that is something Americans can decide for themselves. But it is not our policy.”
“You may do it, but we will not agree. And if you overstep, then we Europeans are certainly capable of defending ourselves against this,” he added.
He pointed to Europe’s past ability to act jointly, citing the recent escalation over Greenland, and said the EU would respond if Washington imposes further tariffs.
Merz described Germany’s approach as a “dual strategy”: extending a hand for partnership while maintaining cohesion and unity within the EU to protect against unwanted measures.
