Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Discussions with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.
A Significant Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Challenges
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Common Views and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.
Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
But, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Few expect significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
