France and Germany will pursue closer cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence

French President Macron and German Chancellor Merz issued a joint statement on the 2nd, saying that France and Germany have decided to strengthen cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence to respond to the evolving threat landscape. The statement said that the two countries have established a high-level nuclear affairs steering group as a framework for bilateral theoretical dialogue and strategic cooperation, especially to discuss the appropriate combination of conventional forces, missile defense capabilities, and France’s nuclear capabilities. The statement also said that France and Germany are committed to taking concrete measures this year, including Germany’s conventional forces participating in French nuclear exercises, joint visits to strategic sites, and developing conventional forces together with European partners. The two countries will also enhance their ability to control escalation, focusing on early warning, air defense, and precision strikes. The statement pointed out that this France-Germany cooperation is not meant to replace NATO’s nuclear deterrence and nuclear sharing arrangements but to complement them. On the same day, Macron spoke about strengthening nuclear deterrence, saying France is entering a new phase of nuclear deterrence, which he called “frontline deterrence.” He stated that the “frontline deterrence” plan provides partner countries with opportunities to participate in deterrence exercises and, in some cases, allows France to deploy strategic forces among allies. (Xinhua)