October 30, 2026 Chancellor Friedrich Merz's comments come at the end of his multi-day tour. Meanwhile, President Steinmeier is set to hold talks with Xi Jinping. DW has more.

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Merz was in South Korea on the last day of his Asia trip Image: Song Kyung-Seok/REUTERS

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Chancellor Friedrich Merz is ending his multi-day trip to Asia

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Here are the leading headlines from Germany on Friday, October 30:

Skip next section Merz pushes for new free trade network October 30, 2026

Merz pushes for new free trade network

The German chancellor has been calling for a new global free trade network Image: Kay Nietfeld/dpa/picture alliance

Chancellor Merz has again called for a global network of countries with a commitment to free trade based on international rules.

"Competition between the US and China is ramping up.…