Japan's Recently Appointed PM Aims to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.
A Notable Premiership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.
But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asian visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Few expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.
