The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Key Discussions with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.
The Significant Leadership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.
But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Challenges
Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Views and Differing Policies
She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.
Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value Trump places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
