The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Donald Trump.
The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, marking a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.
A Notable Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Internal and Global Pressures
Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies
She holds Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Few expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some ease to the country's economy.
Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.
Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.
