Japan's New Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Influence in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and security topics, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.
The Historic Leadership and Global Debut
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.
However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures
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 the Diet.
This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.
Common Views and Differing Policies
She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few expect significant concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.
He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.
