Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Key Talks with Donald Trump.
The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.
Attention of their meeting is expected to center on economic and defense matters, marking a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
A Historic Premiership and Global Debut
The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but each countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.
But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
