Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Influence in Important Talks with Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
The focus of their encounter is anticipated to center on trade and defense issues, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Notable Premiership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.
But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Views and Diverging Policies
Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Not many expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link
The value the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
Abe was the first international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.