Foreign media: German Chancellor Mutz warns the U.S. not to provoke a tariff war, stating plans to discuss future cooperation with China

According to reports from the U.S. “Politico” Europe edition, Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao, and other media outlets, German Chancellor Merz delivered a speech on the evening of the 18th local time at an event held in Rhineland-Palatinate, western Germany. He warned the United States not to provoke a trade war and stated that he plans to discuss future cooperation with China, Europe, and Germany. Merz said at the event, “If Americans believe they should use tariffs to exert influence globally… then of course that is their decision, but that is not our policy.” The European edition of “Politico” quoted Merz as saying that when he meets U.S. President Trump in Washington next month, he will convey the same message. The report also mentioned that Merz will discuss future cooperation with China, Europe, and Germany during his planned visit to China. The report states that amid the trade war triggered during Trump’s second term, Germany and its struggling automotive companies have begun negotiations with China to address the deep structural decline in exports to China. (Global Times)