The New Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
A Notable Premiership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.
However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Navigating Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.
Common Views and Diverging Interests
Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.
But, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.
