German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced plans to pursue a strategic partnership with China during his visit next week. This move signals Germany’s shift toward diversifying its international relationships amid mounting tariff pressures from Washington.

Speaking in Passau, the chancellor emphasized the inseparability of foreign and economic policy. “We have a strategic interest in finding partners in the world who think and act like us, and who are willing to shape the future together,” Merz said, outlining Germany’s aim to strengthen alternative alliances.

Commenting on US tariff policy under President Donald Trump, Merz took a firm stance: “If the Americans believe that, with their tariff policy, they should exert influence around the world, if they believe that tariffs are more important than taxes at home, then that is something that the Americans, of course, can decide for themselves. But it is not our policy.” He warned that the European Union is prepared to defend itself against any unwanted measures, citing the Greenland situation as an example of European unity.

According to Merz, Germany is following a “dual strategy”: remaining open to partnerships while maintaining enough cohesion within the EU to protect its own interests.