Japan's Recently Appointed PM Aims to Utilize Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Donald Trump.
The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their meeting is likely to focus on economic and security topics, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.
A Significant Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.
Navigating Internal and Global Challenges
The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Common Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments
The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.
However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Few expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty changes provided some relief to the country's economy.
The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link
The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.
He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
