German chancellor Friedrich Merz is under pressure to take a tougher stance on Beijing. (EPA Images pic) BERLIN: The German industry association BDI on Friday called for a more determined effort to reduce economic risks linked to China, arguing that Europe must diversify supply chains and forge new partnerships while avoiding broad-based protectionism. The BDI,…
Employees at forklift and warehouse manufacturer Jungheinrich work on the assembly line in Moosburg, Germany, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Matthias Schrader/AP Photo/Matthias Schrader Employees at forklift and warehouse manufacturer Jungheinrich work on the assembly line in Moosburg, Germany, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Matthias Schrader/AP Photo/Matthias Schrader Employees at forklift and warehouse manufacturer Jungheinrich work on…
Trade tensions between the EU and China are deepening. On June 16, the EU’s trade chief, Maroš Šefčovič, said the bloc’s unbalanced trade relationship with China “had reached a point that requires a reset”. The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, then criticised Beijing days later for what he claimed were its unfair trade practices. In comments…
The 1986 Chernobyl disaster fueled global fears about nuclear power and slowed its development in Europe and elsewhere. Four decades later, however, there’s a revival around the world, a trend that has been given a big boost by war in the Middle East. Over 400 nuclear reactors are operational in 31 countries, while about 70…
For months behind the scenes in Beijing, Chinese and American officials have been locked in negotiations over one of the most consequential political meetings of this year. China’s President Xi Jinping was set to host United States President Donald Trump at a highly choreographed reception in Beijing at the end of March. Iran war live…
NEW DELHI: More than five decades after Indian naval strikes crippled Karachi during the 1971 war, undersea power is once again at the heart of New Delhi’s strategic thinking. As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began his visit to India on Monday amid a more volatile regional and global security environment, discussions around Project-75I have acquired…
Spies from Germany’s foreign intelligence agency will be given powers to attack and sabotage enemies of the state, as Berlin toughens up its security posture. Since its founding in 1956 in West Germany, the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) has only been permitted to gather and analyse intelligence. But a new law, drawn up by chancellor…
Russia has responded with mockery to an alleged comment by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to European counterparts expressing mistrust at the US envoys negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine. “Dear Merz, you are not even in the game,” Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev wrote on X. “You disqualified yourself by warmongering, peace sabotage,…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met British counterpart Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and several other world leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit here and discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interests. “It was wonderful meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer in…
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Europe does not want to be a “vassal” that is dependent on US and Chinese tech companies, calling for a “European preference” in the sector. “Europe doesn’t want to be the client of the big entrepreneurs or the big solutions being provided either from the US or…