Japan's Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.
Attention of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and security matters, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
A Significant Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.
But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Managing Internal and Global Pressures
Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She shares the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments
The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
