The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Key Discussions with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.
The focus of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Notable Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Challenges
The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests
She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.
However, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Few expect major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.
