The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Utilize Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and security issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.
The Notable Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.
Navigating Domestic and International Challenges
The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Differing Policies
Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.
However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.
The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.
He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
