The Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Crucial Discussions with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and security issues, marking a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.
Handling Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.
Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Budget Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Few anticipate major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.
He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
