Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Negotiations with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and security topics, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.
A Notable Leadership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Challenges
Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.
This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred 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 International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.
