The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and defense topics, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.
A Significant Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.
Handling Domestic and Global Challenges
The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.
Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.
However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection
The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.
Abe was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
The former president's visit to Japan 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 location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
