The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and defense issues, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.
The Historic Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Managing Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.
This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.
He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
