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🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

France, Germany expand defence partnership as Europe seeks more military autonomy

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Germany and France are deepening their defense partnership, aiming for greater European military autonomy.
  • The leaders pledged to counter China's economic pressure through overcapacity and an undervalued currency.
  • Cooperation will include missile defense and long-range strike systems, complementing NATO.
  • France will maintain sole responsibility for funding its nuclear deterrent.

Germany and France are set to significantly enhance their defense cooperation, signaling a stronger push for European military autonomy amidst growing geopolitical and economic challenges. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron announced their commitment to deepen ties during a joint cabinet meeting in Germany, aiming to move past earlier disagreements on joint military projects.

We are doing what is necessary to safeguard our freedom, our security and our collective defence.

— Friedrich MerzGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating the purpose of the deepened defense cooperation.

Both leaders explicitly targeted China, accusing it of exerting "drastic pressure" on Europe through industrial overcapacity and currency manipulation. They stated that China's state support for its industries is at least eight times higher than in other OECD countries. "We are by no means anti-Chinese... but we take a clear-eyed view," Macron remarked, highlighting Europe's substantial daily trade deficit with China.

We are by no means anti-Chinese, either in our diplomacy or in our economy, but we take a clear-eyed view.

— Emmanuel MacronFrench President Emmanuel Macron on the approach towards China.

The expanded partnership includes collaboration on missile defense and long-range strike systems. This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards bolstering European defense capabilities, particularly in light of potential shifts in U.S. defense commitments in Europe. Merz emphasized that this cooperation would complement, not replace, existing NATO arrangements, and any new doctrine would be developed gradually.

We're taking a step-by-step approach here, and it may well end up resulting in a new doctrine, but it’s far too early to say that today.

— Friedrich MerzGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the development of potential new defense doctrines.

Regarding nuclear deterrence, France affirmed it would retain full responsibility for funding its nuclear arsenal. "The funding for the French nuclear programme will always be provided by France," President Macron stated, clarifying that Germany would not co-fund the French deterrent. Despite the earlier abandonment of a joint fighter jet project, related initiatives, such as cloud-based information systems for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), are reportedly progressing between manufacturers.

The funding for the French nuclear programme will always be provided by France.

— Emmanuel MacronFrench President Emmanuel Macron clarifying funding for France's nuclear deterrent.
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Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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