The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.
A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.
But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Handling Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies
Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.
But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered some ease to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.
Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
