The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Leverage Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.
Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
The Significant Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.
Managing Domestic and International Pressures
Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests
She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia visit.
Military Expansion and Budget Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Strains
The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance the former president places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.
