Merz in Singapore: Collapse of old world order threatens middle powers
Merz began a four-day Asia tour in Singapore and called for closer Europe–Asia trade and strategic ties to shield middle powers like Germany.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned in Singapore on October 27, 2026, that the erosion of the old world order endangers the interests of middle powers in Europe, among them Germany, and said closer ties between Europe and Asia are needed to respond to the shift.
Merz began a four-day tour of Asia in Singapore intended to deepen bilateral strategic partnerships. During the visit he is scheduled to meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
"Cooperation between Europe and Asia is needed, and we should link European and Asian trade agreements," Merz said in Singapore.
The chancellor highlighted the long-standing ties between Germany and Singapore in defence, trade and research. German government figures cited during the visit note that about 2,400 German companies operate in Singapore, employing roughly 45,000 people, and that annual bilateral trade is estimated at $13.2 billion; Germany is the city-state's largest European trading partner.
Regional leg of a wider Asia tour
Merz will continue his Asia tour with visits to Japan and South Korea. According to the itinerary, this is his third trip to Asia since assuming office in the spring of last year.
Officials travelling with the chancellor say the tour aims to translate geopolitical concern into concrete economic and security cooperation with key Asian partners.
Photo: press material from the event
