The New PM Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Important Discussions with Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.
The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.
But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.
Managing Domestic and Global Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.
Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.
