Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
The Notable Premiership and Global Debut
The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.
Common Views and Diverging Interests
Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.
But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Few expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.
The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection
The value Trump places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.
He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.
