The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Crucial Talks with Trump.
The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.
The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.
The Significant Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Managing Domestic and Global Challenges
Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.
Common Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asian visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some ease to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.
Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.
