The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and defense matters, marking a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.
A Historic Leadership and International Debut
The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Managing Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit.
Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.
However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection
The value Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.
Abe was the first international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.
