The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Important Discussions with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.
The focus of their summit is expected to revolve around economic and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.
The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.
Managing Internal and Global Challenges
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 powerful lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Common Views and Diverging Interests
She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.
Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Commitments
The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.
However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Few expect major concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications
Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.
