Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their meeting is likely to focus on trade and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.
The Notable Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.
Managing Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Differing Policies
Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held request 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 obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.
But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Link
The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.
Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.