The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, representing a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Notable Premiership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.
Handling Internal and International Challenges
The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.
This means, her government will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.
