The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on economic and defense topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
A Notable Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Pressures
Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.
Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate 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 request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.
However, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Few expect significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.
Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
