The New Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Abe's Influence in Key Discussions with Trump.
The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.
The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.
Managing Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asian visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Strains
Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many expect significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal 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 among his favorite international figures.
Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
