Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their meeting is likely to center on economic and defense matters, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.
A Historic Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.
He was the first international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.
