Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.
The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and security topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.
A Notable Premiership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.
But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Navigating Internal and Global Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Strains
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered some relief to the country's economy.
The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.
He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
