The New PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
The Significant Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Managing Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Common Views and Diverging Interests
Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.
Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.
But, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link
The value the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.
