Germany's Scholz in Tokyo for talks on closer economic, defence ties

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Tokyo on Saturday, where he is to meet Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss closer economic ties between the two countries.

The talks are expected to focus on international cooperation with Berlin looking to reduce its economic dependence on Chinese raw materials amid global supply chain tensions.

Last year Japan, which also imports raw materials on a large scale, specifically passed a law on economic security, which is considered exemplary by the German government.

Scholz's talks with Kishida are also expected to deal with defence issues.

The German Armed Forces have already sent a warship and fighter jets to the Pacific region to strengthen cooperation with friendly forces there. It plans to participate in exercises again this year.

The chancellor is being accompanied in Tokyo by six of his ministers, including Economy Minister Robert Habeck, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Finance Minister Christian Lindner.

Scholz is also accompanied by an 11-person business delegation.

In April last year Scholz chose Japan as his first travel destination in the region. His predecessors Angela Merkel and Gerhard Schröder went to China first.