The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Influence in Important Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She shares Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.