The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Important Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their encounter is likely to focus on trade and security matters, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
A Historic Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.
Handling Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.
Common Views and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Budget Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.
He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.
