The New PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and security topics, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
The Significant Premiership and Global Debut
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.
Managing Domestic and International Challenges
The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.
But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.
Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.
