Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their summit is likely to focus on economic and security topics, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
A Historic Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.
Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges
The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many expect major concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.
He was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
