The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and security issues, marking a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.
The Significant Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Managing Domestic and International Pressures
Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet each nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Few expect major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.
The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Link
The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
Abe was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications
The former president'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 the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.
