Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.
The focus of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and security issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.
The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.
Managing Domestic and Global Challenges
Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.
But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
