Japan's New PM Seeks to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Crucial Talks with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy test as she meets former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to center on trade and defense topics, representing a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Historic Leadership and Global Debut
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Internal and International Challenges
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asian visit.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Few expect major concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.
Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.
