Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and security topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
The Significant Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.
Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.
Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to pursue further relief by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.
