The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and security topics, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.
The Historic Premiership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.
Navigating Internal and Global Challenges
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
She shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate major concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.
Abe was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he met with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.
