Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Key Discussions with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.
The focus of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and defense matters, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.
However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.
Navigating Domestic and International Challenges
The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Differing Interests
Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Few anticipate significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.
Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.
