The New Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.
The agenda of their summit is expected to center on economic and security topics, marking a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.
A Notable Premiership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.
Managing Internal and Global Challenges
Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Few expect significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.
Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications
Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.