The Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Important Discussions with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on economic and security issues, representing a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Notable Leadership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.
But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.
Handling Domestic and Global Challenges
The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Defense Partnership and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Few anticipate major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection
The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.
He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.
