Japan's New PM Aims to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Influence in Important Discussions with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is likely to center on trade and defense matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.
A Notable Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.
Handling Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.
Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian visit.
Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments
The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Few anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.
The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection
The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.
Abe was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.
