Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Crucial Negotiations with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.
The agenda of their summit is likely to focus on economic and security issues, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
A Historic Premiership and International Debut
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.
Managing Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.
This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.
However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many expect major concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The value Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.
He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared interests such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.
