The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Abe's Influence in Important Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and security topics, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.
A Historic Premiership and International Debut
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Managing Domestic and International Pressures
Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Budget Pledges
Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some relief to the country's economy.
Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection
The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
Abe was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
