According to a foreign affairs source cited by the Japan's Kyodo News on the 15th, German Chancellor Merz plans to visit Japan at the end of October to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Yukie Akamine. The Japanese and German governments are coordinating efforts regarding this visit. This will be Merz's first visit to Japan since she took office in May last year. However, Germany has not yet confirmed this news.
According to sources, it is expected that negotiations will focus on defense and security cooperation related to the development of drones. Topics such as the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Middle Eastern wars, as well as the so-called ‘China’s increasingly assertive stance in the Indo-Pacific region’, are also likely to be discussed.
The Chinese side has repeatedly emphasized that any cooperation carried out by any country should be conducive to regional peace and stability. We oppose the formation of exclusive 'cliques' and oppose the establishment of rivalries among nations in this region.
Reports indicate that the Mertz government is becoming increasingly aware of the close relationship between European security and the Indo-Pacific region. Previously, Foreign Minister Vadde-Fueller and Defense Minister Pistorius visited Japan to promote cooperation.
Germany has recently not only significantly increased military spending to modernize its military equipment, but also endeavors to strengthen its defense industry. It shows a strong interest in cooperating with Japan's defense industry.
Japan and Europe are increasingly active in cooperation on drone development. For example, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and the European aircraft giant Airbus announced in June that they would collaborate on defense drones. Mertz may propose to expand cooperation between Japan and Germany during these summit meetings.
It is expected that Mertz will visit Japan around October 28th. On October 29th, he plans to go to Seoul, South Korea, to attend the "German Economic Asia-Pacific Conference" attended by politicians and business leaders.
