The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and defense topics, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
The Historic Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.
But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.
Handling Internal and Global Challenges
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Differing Interests
She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.
But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some ease to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.
He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
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 proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
