Germany news: Friedrich Merz calls for global free trade alliance during Asia trip

Skip next section What you need to know

What you need to know

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz is ending his multi-day trip to Asia
• President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Here are the leading headlines from Germany on Friday, October 30:

Skip next section Merz pushes for new free trade network

October 30, 2026

Merz pushes for new free trade network

Chancellor Merz has again called for a global network of countries with a commitment to free trade based on international rules.

His comments came while in South Korea on the final day of his four-day trip to Asia. He was speaking at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in Seoul.

"We are resolutely joining forces against unilateralism, autocratic power politics and violations of international law," he said.

"When supply chains become political pawns, when access to key technologies is obstructed or when efforts to secure raw materials resemble displays of power rather than fair partnerships, this jeopardizes growth, prosperity and ultimately the security of entire regions," Merz added.

The chancellor had made a similar call in Singapore and Japan.

"German companies are using Korea as a central hub to expand their presence in the Asia-Pacific region," South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong Sook said at Thursday's conference.

Edited by:Sean Sinico

https://p.dw.com/p/5OqWg

Skip next section IN DEPTH: Germany seeks new head of state

October 30, 2026

IN DEPTH: Germany seeks new head of state

The question of who should become Germany's new president is becoming pressing.

Many want to see Germany's first female head of state. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is keeping his cards close to his chest.

Read DW's full report on who may be the next German president.

Edited by:Sean Sinico

https://p.dw.com/p/5OqXI

Skip next section Welcome to our coverage

October 30, 2026

Welcome to our coverage

Good morning from the DW newsroom in Bonn.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is closing off his four-day trip to Asia, while President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is separately in China, where he is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.