Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their meeting is likely to center on trade and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Notable Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.
Navigating Domestic and International Challenges
The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.
