The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is expected to focus on economic and defense topics, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Handling Internal and International Challenges
Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political 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 administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests
She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.