The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Important Discussions with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.
The Notable Premiership and International Debut
The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest Asean summit.
But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Managing Internal and International Challenges
Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.
This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Views and Differing Policies
Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.
Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.
Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.
But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.
The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value Trump places on personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.
