Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Influence in Important Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on trade and security issues, representing a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.
The Significant Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.
Handling Domestic and International Challenges
The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies
Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.
However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few expect significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.
Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
