Japan's New PM Aims to Leverage Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.
The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense topics, marking a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.
A Significant Premiership and International Debut
The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Domestic and Global Pressures
Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.
This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Views and Differing Interests
She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.
Military Expansion and Budget Commitments
The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.
However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.
Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
