The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is likely to focus on trade and security issues, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.
A Notable Leadership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.
Handling Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.
However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.
Abe was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.
