The Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy test as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and defense issues, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.
A Historic Leadership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.
Navigating Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She shares Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.
However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Not many expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection
The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.
Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.