The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Key Discussions with Donald Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
The focus of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.
The Significant Leadership and International Debut
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.
Managing Domestic and Global Challenges
The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Diverging Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
But, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.
Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.
