Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Donald Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.
A Notable Premiership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Internal and Global Challenges
Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.
Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia visit.
Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments
The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.
But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Few anticipate significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link
The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.
Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.
