Germany, Japan Expand Economic Security Cooperation Amid Global Challenges

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Germany and Japan in security and economic fields amidst shared geopolitical challenges, including Russia's war in Ukraine and North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Their collaboration includes government consultations and a mutual logistical assistance agreement between defense ministries, with Japan participating in the upcoming NATO summit. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the G7 Summit to discuss enhancing bilateral ties in trade, investment, defense, green energy, technology, and sustainable development, highlighting 25 years of strategic partnership and Germany's support against terrorism. Chancellor Merz's new government marks a shift in German foreign policy with a cautious stance toward China, focusing on reducing strategic dependencies and promoting resilience in European supply chains, while balancing economic interests and security concerns. Merz also called for a united Western front, including cooperation with the US, to address challenges posed by China, emphasizing the need to avoid trade wars and manage industrial competition thoughtfully. These developments represent a broader realignment in German foreign relations, highlighting close ties with Japan and India and a recalibration of policies toward China.