The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Abe's Legacy in Key Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and defense matters, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
The Historic Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.
But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Internal and International Challenges
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.
Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.
However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.
Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
