The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their meeting is expected to center on economic and defense matters, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.
A Significant Premiership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Challenges
Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Military Expansion and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.
However, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Not many expect significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered some ease to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link
The value the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.
