Japan, Germany pledge tech and economic security cooperation

· Tech · Japan · Germany

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to boost economic security and technology cooperation at talks in Tokyo, expressing 'grave concern' over economic coercion, including arbitrary export restrictions and retaliatory measures on critical minerals. The two leaders also discussed supply chains and artificial intelligence. Merz's visit comes after Germany's ruling coalition weighed how to respond to Chinese export controls and as Europe seeks partners beyond the transatlantic relationship.

Why it matters：Coordinated rules on critical minerals and technology between major economies are a building block of wider efforts to blunt coercive trade tactics.

Key points

  • The leaders expressed 'grave concern' over arbitrary export restrictions.
  • Talks covered supply chains and artificial intelligence.
  • Merz visited Tokyo for the meeting.

Sources (original reporting)

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