Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and security topics, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Notable Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.
However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Managing Internal and Global Challenges
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes provided some relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to pursue further relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value Trump places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.
He was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.
