The Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Challenges
Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Common Views and Diverging Interests
She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Strains
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.
The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link
The value Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.
He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.
