The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Important Discussions with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their meeting is likely to focus on economic and security matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.
The Significant Premiership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.
Managing Domestic and Global Challenges
Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She shares the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.
Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by promising greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.
He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.