Japan's New Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is likely to center on trade and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.
A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.
However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Managing Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Differing Interests
She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Few anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.
He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
