Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Donald Trump.
The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and security issues, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Managing Domestic and International Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.
Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way security treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Few expect major concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link
The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.
He was the initial international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and International Significance
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
