Germany's new government expected to strengthen ties with ASEAN

Germany aims to elevate ties with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and launch an annual EU–ASEAN consultation mechanism on economic security, especially in sensitive industries like semiconductors and renewable energy.

Germany set to deepen ties with ASEAN under new government (Photo: https:chinaobservers.eu)
Germany set to deepen ties with ASEAN under new government (Photo: https:chinaobservers.eu)

Berlin (VNA) – Germany’s incoming coalition government, led by to-be Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is expected to prioritise strengthening economic ties and deepening relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

According to Prof. Dr. Dang Hoang Linh, Counselor at the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany, Berlin plays a key role in shaping the European Union (EU)’s trade responses, especially to protectionist measures such as US President Donald Trump's tariff policy. Germany's economy, heavily export-driven in sectors like automobiles and machinery, is particularly sensitive to global trade instability.

In response to US threats of tariffs, especially on electric vehicles, Germany has pushed for EU-wide unity and engaged in dialogue with domestic industry associations and major companies like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. It has also revived interest in a transatlantic free trade zone through restarting TTIP (Transatlantic Free Trade Area) negotiations.

Germany is also preparing defensive measures if tariffs materialize, including countermeasures, financial support for affected sectors, and market diversification. It supports retaliatory taxation on US digital services and coordinated EU actions at the WTO.

The new coalition will maintain a “multi-pillar” approach to economic diplomacy, reviving the Indo-Pacific Strategy launched in 2020. ASEAN, with over 680 million people and a combined GDP of 3.6 trillion USD, is viewed as a key growth partner.

Germany is expected to push for ratification and implementation of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which safeguards German investors. It may also pursue bilateral deals with other ASEAN nations and prioritise strategic sectors like green energy, smart cities, and digital innovation.

Beyond trade, Germany will expand “climate diplomacy” in ASEAN, supporting green hydrogen, carbon markets, and vocational training in clean energy.

In the long run, Berlin aims to elevate ties with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and launch an annual EU–ASEAN consultation mechanism on economic security, especially in sensitive industries like semiconductors and renewable energy./.

VNA

See more

Medicines for malaria treatment (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia builds AI model for malaria diagnosis

The National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to support malaria diagnosis, toward warding off the disease by 2030.

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra holds a press conference after the cabinet meeting on March 13. (Photo: Government House)

Thailand sends trade proposal to US

Thailand is among the Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by measures introduced by US President Donald Trump, facing a tariff of up to 36% on its exports if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July.

Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (R) speaks in a meeting on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade in Jakarta on May 9. (Photo: VNA).

Indonesia committed to promoting ATIGA Upgrade

The upgrade seeks to modernise the the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) framework, making it more facilitative for businesses and responsive to regional and global challenges.

Thai students and other passengers, many wearing face masks, ride a boat along the Chao Phraya River. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand: Covid resurgence ‘no cause for alarm’

From January 1 to May 10, up to 53,676 COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths have been reported in Thailand. Bangkok recorded the most infections with 16,723 cases, peaking during the week of April 27 to May 3 at 14,349 cases, including two deaths.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid during a meeting with the head of Asia-Pacific of GSMA, Julian Gorman, in Jakarta on May 8. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia accelerates development of 5G ecosystem

Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to building and strengthening the 5G infrastructure and technological ecosystem both nationwide and across the Asia-Pacific region.