Japan and Germany pledge closer mineral, AI and defense cooperation

Takaichi and Merz describe their countries as "premium partners," linking supply-chain resilience with security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Channel: Nippon TV News ·

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【栄誉礼・共同会見ノーカット】高市首相、独メルツ首相と会談「プレミアム・パートナーとして」

Things we can learn from the video

Press to jump

9:20Takaichi welcomes Merz and proposes describing Japan and Germany as "premium partners."
13:19Takaichi outlines agreements on AI, advanced technology, economic security and stronger supply chains.
20:00Merz thanks Japan for supporting Ukraine and stresses peace in the Taiwan Strait.
20:40Merz calls for diversified suppliers and reduced dependence on individual sources of raw materials.
21:13Merz discusses military exercises, defense equipment cooperation and examining possible joint fighter development.
22:05Technology plans include an AI dialogue and cooperation on semiconductors, 6G communications and nuclear fusion.

Japan and Germany agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, artificial intelligence and defense during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, according to Japan's Nippon Television News.

The broadcaster's uncut recording begins with Merz arriving at the prime minister's office on October 28. National anthems, an honor guard inspection and introductions precede the talks. Takaichi welcomes him on his first visit to Japan as chancellor and proposes describing the bilateral relationship as a "premium partnership."

The practical commitments come later, in the joint press statements. According to the broadcaster's account, the leaders issued declarations on advanced science and technology and economic security. They agreed to diversify critical-mineral supplies and develop alternative sources, with China's export restrictions in mind.

Both leaders presented security in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific as interconnected. Merz thanked Japan for its continuing support for Ukraine and emphasized peace in the Taiwan Strait, while referring to Germany's one-China policy. He argued for reducing excessive dependence on individual suppliers through diversification and more resilient supply chains.

On defense, the broadcaster reports agreement to examine a framework for cooperation between the countries' armed forces and promote defense-industrial collaboration. Merz also discussed German participation in the Keen Sword military exercise and examining possible cooperation on fighter development. These were areas for further work, not an announcement of a completed aircraft agreement.

Technology cooperation extends beyond AI. Merz listed semiconductors, 6G communications and nuclear fusion, while the leaders agreed to establish a high-level AI dialogue and work toward an AI summit in Japan.

The recording contains Japanese and German speeches without simultaneous interpretation. For viewers seeking the substance rather than the ceremony, Takaichi's account of the agreements begins around thirteen minutes in; Merz's detailed discussion of supply chains and defense follows later.

Merz closed by inviting Takaichi to government consultations in Berlin in 2027 and referring to Japan's participation as partner country at Hannover Messe in 2028.

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