Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Abe's Influence in Crucial Talks with Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their meeting is likely to focus on trade and security matters, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Notable Premiership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Differing Policies
She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Few expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.
The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.
He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.
