The New PM Aims to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Important Talks with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
A Notable Leadership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.
Managing Internal and Global Pressures
Takaichi faces a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.
But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Few expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance the former president places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance
The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.
