The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Discussions with Trump.
The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.
A Notable Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.
Handling Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Strains
Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.
However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Few expect major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.
He was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.