The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Donald Trump.
The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and defense matters, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.
The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Handling Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian visit.
Military Expansion and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent duty adjustments offered some ease to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.
Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.
