The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Key Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on trade and defense topics, marking a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
A Significant Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.
Managing Internal and International Challenges
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies
Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.
Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few expect significant concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.
He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.