The Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Influence in Important Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their meeting is expected to center on economic and security topics, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.
The Notable Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.
However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Navigating Internal and Global Pressures
The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
But, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.
He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.
