Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Key Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.
Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.
A Historic Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just 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 latest Asean summit.
However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.
Handling Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Common Views and Diverging Interests
Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments
The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.
But, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Not many expect major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection
The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.
Abe was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
