Japan's New PM Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Discussions with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.
Attention of their encounter is likely to center on economic and security topics, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.
A Notable Premiership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.
Handling Internal and Global Challenges
The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asia visit.
Military Build-up and Budget Commitments
The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.
But, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade matters this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.
The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The value Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.
Abe was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.
