Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Key Discussions with Donald Trump.
The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and defense topics, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.
The Historic Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.
Handling Internal and Global Pressures
Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.
This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many expect major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.
The PM is likely to pursue further relief by promising increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi.