Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Discussions with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.
The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and security issues, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.
A Notable Leadership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.
Navigating Internal and International Challenges
Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Common Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian visit.
Military Expansion and Budget Pledges
The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.
He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.
