Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Influence in Key Negotiations with Donald Trump.
The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security issues, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.
The Significant Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures
Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Diverging Policies
She shares Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.
Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asian visit.
Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Strains
The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after latest tariff changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection
The value the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.
He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.