Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.
A Historic Premiership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.
Navigating Internal and Global Pressures
The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Views and Diverging Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.