The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
The focus of their meeting is likely to focus on trade and defense topics, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.
The Notable Premiership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.
Handling Domestic and International Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Differing Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.
He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
