The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
The Significant Leadership and Global Debut
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
She shares Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.
