The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Crucial Discussions with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
The Significant Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.
However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Challenges
Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.
Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Military Build-up and Budget Commitments
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.
However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the first international leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
