Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Crucial Discussions with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.
The Significant Premiership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.
However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.
Managing Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Few expect major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
Abe was the first international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.