The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and security issues, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
A Notable Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance Trump places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.
He was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
