The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump.
The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and security issues, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
A Historic Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.
Managing Internal and International Challenges
Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.
This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests
She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is expected to seek further benefits by committing to greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.
Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
