CHINA PERSPECTIVE

The South China Morning Post analyzes the two competing versions: Merz says there is 'no connection' between his critique of US Iran strategy and the announced troop withdrawal, while Washington says the exact opposite. Merz had questioned the existence of a US exit strategy in Iran and accused Tehran of 'embarrassing' Washington.

The newspaper notes that Trump called Merz an 'ineffectual' leader. Merz responds that he 'must accept that the American president has a different view' but remains 'convinced that Americans are our most important partners.'

Beijing watches this dispute closely. China, managing its own tensions with Washington, sees in the NATO fracture an opportunity for increased geopolitical room to maneuver. If Western allies are publicly feuding over military strategy, the cohesion of the American bloc appears more fragile — reducing the collective pressure the West can exert on other issues, including Taiwan.