The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.
Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and defense issues, representing a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.
The Notable Leadership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.
But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.
Managing Domestic and Global Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will depend on other MPs to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.
However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Few expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is expected to seek further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.
He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications
The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.