The New PM Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Important Discussions with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
The focus of their summit is expected to center on trade and defense topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Significant Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.
Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Common Views and Diverging Policies
She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asia visit.
Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments
The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.
But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Few expect major concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
