The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
The focus of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.
The Historic Leadership and Global Debut
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.
Managing Internal and Global Pressures
Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
She holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Not many expect major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered some relief to the country's economy.
Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.
