The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.
The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around economic and security topics, representing a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.
A Significant Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.
Common Views and Diverging Interests
She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.
But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Not many expect major concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications
The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.