Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their encounter is expected to center on trade and defense matters, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.
The Historic Leadership and International Debut
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Internal and Global Challenges
Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asia visit.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
Abe was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.
