The Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.
The focus of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and security topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Notable Leadership and International Debut
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Managing Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.
This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Differing Interests
She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.
Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Strains
The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.
He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.
