The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Influence in Important Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security topics, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.
The Notable Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.
But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.
Navigating Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Diverging Interests
Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.
Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many expect significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.
He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.
