The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and defense issues, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.
The Notable Leadership and Global Debut
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She shares Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit.
Military Expansion and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.
But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Few anticipate significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.
Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
