Germany and Japan strengthen economic ties as global tensions rise

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday, with both leaders voicing deep concern about economic coercion. Talks also included committing to stronger cooperation on supply chains, critical raw materials and new technologies. The two leaders issued joint statements on economic security and future technologies. They criticized arbitrary export restrictions on critical raw materials, though they named no country. The issue is pressing for Japan, which faces rare earth shortages after China restricted exports. Germany is also guided by EU requirements, stating that by 2030 no more than 65% of critical raw materials should come from China. The two sides agreed to also work together on cyber defense and called for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.