Merz Cites UN Charter on Taiwan Strait During Tokyo Visit
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Wednesday that he is concerned about rising tension in the Taiwan Strait, stressing that the UN Charter’s ban on the use of force applies there, Central News Agency reported, citing Jiji Press.
Kyodo News reported that the two leaders agreed to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and defence industry cooperation. Their joint statements expressed “grave concerns” about economic coercion, such as arbitrary export restrictions, without naming China. Kyodo noted that Tokyo has faced tighter Chinese export controls since Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan last year.
Reuters reported that, responding to Merz’s call for a trade alliance of like-minded partners, China said it hoped Germany and the European Union would be “objective and rational”.
No new measures on the Taiwan Strait were announced.