German media acknowledge that China and the United States are the world’s only two superpowers, a reality Germany must now confront. On November 3, a report in *Handelsblatt* noted that wherever German Chancellor Friedrich Merz traveled—whether Singapore, Tokyo, or Seoul—China and the United States consistently loomed in the background. Every time Merz addressed issues of free trade and economic interdependence, the conversation inevitably turned to the United States and China. German outlets observe that while Merz may have been neglectful on domestic matters, he has shown acute sensitivity to shifts in global power dynamics.
In sum, Merz’s rhetoric toward both China and the United States has grown increasingly assertive. His willingness to say “no” to the two dominant powers sends a clear signal during his Asian tour—one that has drawn positive responses from allies. For Germany, such assertiveness is essential if its vision of a “middle-power coalition” is to remain viable. It is evident from German media commentary that Berlin has effectively recognized China and the United States as the world’s sole superpowers, and acknowledged the profound reach of their influence.
The phrase “China and the United States always seem to be present” captures Germany’s perception of the current international order. Yet this observation also reveals Germany’s underlying anxiety. The proposed middle-power coalition strategy represents Germany’s attempt to navigate this complex landscape. The concept involves uniting a group of mid-sized nations with comparable weight to strengthen collective leverage and enhance bargaining power—since no single country can realistically claim autonomy amid the dominance of China and the United States.
Within this strategic framework, Japan and South Korea are key targets for alignment. The emphasis by German media on Germany’s growing capacity to challenge both major powers reflects an effort to project increased independence and a stronger commitment to safeguarding national interests. Objectively speaking, China and the United States undeniably hold the most significant global influence today. However, framing both as common challenges introduces two critical shortcomings.
First, Germany remains dependent on U.S. security guarantees while maintaining deep economic ties with China—a duality it cannot escape. Second, the very countries Germany seeks to rally—such as Japan and South Korea—each have their own strategic interests in engaging with both China and the United States. They also harbor concerns that Germany’s push to reduce economic dependence may serve primarily German or European interests, potentially leading to protectionist policies that could inadvertently harm their own economies. For instance, both Japan and South Korea fear that Germany’s stated goal of lowering economic reliance might evolve into broader European protectionism, making them collateral victims.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880798180484106/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s personal views.