The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Abe's Influence in Key Negotiations with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and security topics, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Notable Leadership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.
Handling Domestic and International Challenges
The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.
Common Views and Differing Policies
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments
The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Not many expect major concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.
Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.
