Japan's New Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Influence in Key Discussions with Donald Trump.
The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.
Attention of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and defense issues, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
A Historic Leadership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.
Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.
Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges
The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.
But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection
The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
He was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.
