Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is likely to center on economic and defense issues, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.
The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.
Handling Internal and International Challenges
The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She shares Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.
Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.
