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Germany
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Germany

Germany
Germany
The latest breaking news and stories on Germany, a country in northern Europe known as a federal republic, and the world’s fourth largest economy. Also covering Germany’s relationship with China and Europe, plus commentary and updates on Germany’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
Berlin
Head of State
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Head of Government
Chancellor Olaf Scholz
Olaf Scholz
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper (right) gives her opening remarks as she hosts a virtual meeting with the foreign ministers of the signatory countries on securing the Strait of Hormuz in London on Thursday. Photo: EPA
Middle East

Britain says 40 countries discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz

Discussions on Thursday would focus on which countries were prepared to participate.

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Italy

Italy arrests German-Indian ‘guru’ on child abuse allegations

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Japan

Why Japan’s advanced fighter project may get Canadian tailwinds

France

France suspects link to pro-Iranian group HAYI in foiled Paris bomb plot

The group had posted a video on March 23 targeting Jewish interests and communities in Europe, naming Bank of America’s Paris headquarters.

People stand outside the Bank of America headquarters in Paris on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
Animals

Wolf bites woman on the face at German shopping centre in rare attack

The animal, which had previously avoided humans, was captured and taken to a wildlife park.

China-EU relations

Europe’s crisis tourism: how the Iran war swallowed the EU’s geopolitical agenda

From trade with China to the Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock, Brussels’ agenda has been repeatedly knocked off course.

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Israel

European countries appeal to Israel to abandon plans to revive death penalty

Foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy and the UK expressed concern about the bill which opponents say would target only Palestinians.

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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a session of the Israeli parliament (Knesset) in Jerusalem. On Monday, the Knesset will meet to discuss a bill seeking to revive the death penalty for people convicted of acts of terrorism. Photo: AFP
Crime

Man charged in Germany after fatal stabbing of his 13-year-old son

The boy’s mother and 9-year-old sister were seriously injured in the attack. Police said the suspect, 40, has made no statement.

Switzerland

Hundreds flee as fire rips through German nightclub

3 people were injured in the fire in Kehl, southwestern Germany. Authorities said most of the building will have to be torn down.

European Union

Opinion | Europe’s response to Iran war risks becoming its ‘darkest hour’

By prevaricating on US aggression, Brussels risks forfeiting new partnerships that could help reduce its reliance on Washington.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola (left) and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro arrive for a summit at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on March 19. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Why Philippines may face ‘strategic dilemma’ over Nato partnership, US demands

Manila has been forging closer ties with several Nato members amid tensions between the transatlantic security alliance and the US.

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Philippine military servicemen take part in a live fire exercise during the 2025 US-Philippines joint military “Balikatan” exercise in Rizal, Palawan. Photo: AFP
Electric & new energy vehicles

Pain at the pump fuels EV rush in China, driving a timely boost for carmakers

Brent crude above US$110 is pushing mainland buyers away from petrol cars, lifting China’s EV makers despite fading subsidies.

Art

Artist Katja Seib’s surreal portraits blur reality, dreams and everyday life

The US-based German painter places her family and friends in allegorical scenes informed by her own life and classic European art school training.

China-EU relations

Merz floats EU-China deal, Trump’s new Beijing date, European lawmakers visit

This week: Germany’s Friedrich Merz envisages an eventual China-EU trade deal, new date set for Trump’s China trip and fuel prices surge amid war on Iran. Next week: European parliament sends first delegation to China in eight years, solar export subsidies end, Air China resumes North Korea flights, and more.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (right) visited Unitree’s headquarters in Hangzhou last month. (Photo: EPA)
US-EU relations

German defence minister urges strong US presence in Indo-Pacific

‘To support or not to support Ukraine can also have an impact on Taiwan and the security situation in the Indo-Pacific’: Pistorius.

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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius speaks during a press conference with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles following their meeting in Canberra on Thursday. Photo: dpa
China’s private sector

BASF launches biggest overseas project in China with green-powered mega-site

German chemical giant opens US$10 billion Zhanjiang complex, its largest overseas investment, as Beijing courts foreign capital.

China-Germany relations

Germany’s Merz floats EU-China trade deal as European capitals soften on Beijing

Remarks urging ‘strategic partnerships around the world’ underscore how tensions with the US are inducing a more accommodating stance.

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Japan

Can Japan offer Indonesia a ‘credible alternative’ to China on Prabowo’s visit?

Defence and minerals to dominate the agenda as Tokyo offers hi-tech warships and energy pacts to secure Indonesia as a ‘trusted partner’.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto waves during the 28th Asean-Japan Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year. Photo: AP
Sexual harassment and assault

Thousands rally against online sexual violence, pornographic deepfakes in Berlin

The protest highlighted German actress Collien Fernandes, whose ex-partner allegedly created profiles in her name to make contact with men.

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China's military weapons

Why is China’s ASN-301 suicide drone more deadly than its Iranian counterpart?

In a conflict over Taiwan or western Pacific, Beijing may overwhelm air defences through sheer numbers in a war of economic attrition.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong arts hub strengthens global links with 12 new partnerships

West Kowloon Cultural District Authority signs MOUs with 12 international institutions from Australia, the UK, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.

The MOUs from the last summit brought masterpieces from institutions such as the Palace of Versailles in France to Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang
War and conflict

Opinion | Another war, another trade chokepoint crisis. Who is hit the hardest?

Those with narrow trade structures are hit the hardest but those with broad networks of partners, such as China, tend to be more resilient.

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A map showing the Strait of Hormuz is seen in an illustration. Photo: Reuters
Science

Made-in-China clock loses a second in twice the age of the universe

Chinese scientists have created an optical clock that may lead to development of space-based versions that are smaller, stable and portable.

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2026 Trump-Xi summit

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

After confirmation that the high-stakes Xi-Trump summit will be delayed, analysts find a complex story beneath the official surface.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

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US President Donald Trump complained Nato countries did not ‌want to join the fight against Iran, yet still complain about high oil prices. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

EU leaders clash with Hungary’s Orban for blocking Ukraine loan

A vital US$103 billion lifeline is being held up by Budapest over a dispute involving a war-damaged oil pipeline.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Brussels, Belgium on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
European Union

Hundreds die crossing Mediterranean as 2026 already smashes records

At least 655 migrants died or went missing in January and February taking one of the deadliest migration routes in the world.

China-Japan relations

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

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