The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their summit is likely to focus on economic and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Notable Leadership and International Debut
The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.
Navigating Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Views and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian visit.
Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Not many expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same 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 set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
