The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on trade and security issues, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
A Significant Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.
However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.
Managing Internal and International Challenges
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Strains
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.
However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Not many expect significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.
The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection
The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.
He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.
