Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Important Talks with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.
The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on trade and defense topics, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
The Significant Leadership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.
But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.
But, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.
He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.
