Japan's Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Discussions with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.
The Significant Premiership and International Debut
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Navigating Internal and International Challenges
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty changes provided some ease to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
