The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Talks with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and defense issues, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.
A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.
Navigating Internal and International Challenges
Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
She holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but both countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Strains
The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
