The New Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Donald Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Internal and Global Challenges
The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value Trump places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.
He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
