The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Discussions with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
The Notable Premiership and Global Debut
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Handling Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Differing Policies
Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.
Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.
However, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided some relief to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.
He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.
