Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and security topics, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.
The Significant Leadership and Global Debut
The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.
Navigating Internal and Global Challenges
The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.
Common Views and Differing Interests
She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.
Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.
However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Few expect significant concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.
Abe was the first international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.
