The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Crucial Discussions with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and security topics, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
The Historic Leadership and Global Debut
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.
Navigating Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.
Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.
However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Not many expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.
