Merkel strengthened China in Japan

The visit that Angela Merkel paid to Japan between 8 and 10 March 2015 was linked to Germany’s presidency of the G7 in 2015.

The main topics of the meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were Germany’s priorities in the G7 (including the strengthening of the position of women on the labour market, co-operation with Africa, development co-operation, climate protection) as well as an intensification of scientific collaboration and the negotiations of a free trade agreement between the EU and Japan.

At the press conference Merkel and Abe ruled out the possibility for Russia to return to the G7 in the immediate future.

Chancellor Merkel also pointed out that territorial disputes between the states of Eastern Asia (including those over islands on the South China Sea) are threatening the stability of the region and security of marine routes. Merkel stated that such conflicts should be settled on the basis of international law and with the participation of regional co-operation forums such as ASEAN.