The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Leverage Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
The focus of their meeting is likely to center on economic and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Notable Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Managing Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.
But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Few expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.
He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.
