Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Key Discussions with Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on economic and security topics, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Managing Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.
This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Views and Differing Interests
She holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.
However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many expect major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
