The New Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Important Talks with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.
The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around economic and security issues, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Significant Premiership and Global Debut
The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.
But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.
Handling Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies
Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
