The New Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.
However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.
Navigating Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.
This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Views and Differing Interests
She shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Few anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.
He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting 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 venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
