The Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Negotiations with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their summit is likely to focus on trade and security issues, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.
Handling Internal and Global Pressures
The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.
Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian visit.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value Trump places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
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 he held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.