German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. These meetings will take place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, a German official said Tuesday. Merz plans to use the forum to outline Germany’s foreign policy amid global power tensions.
Merz is scheduled to open the annual security conference with a speech highlighting Germany’s position in strained transatlantic relations. He is expected to emphasize cooperation with the United States while addressing challenges in Europe’s diplomatic ties. The speech will set the tone for his upcoming meetings.
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According to the official, Merz “is not among those who say we must or can write off the United States.” Instead, he aims to present a path forward for transatlantic relations. His approach is likely to focus on dialogue, shared security, and economic collaboration.
The Chancellor’s meetings with Rubio and Wang Yi may cover U.S.-Europe relations, China’s growing global influence, and security issues in Ukraine. Discussions with Zelenskiy are expected to focus on ongoing support for Ukraine amid regional conflicts and diplomatic negotiations.
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Germany has also floated the possibility of an EU-India trade deal by the end of January, signaling its broader international economic priorities. Merz’s appearances at Munich reflect Germany’s active role in global diplomacy and its efforts to maintain balance in great power politics.