Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Influence in Important Talks with Donald Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
Attention of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
A Notable Premiership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.
But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies
She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Commitments
The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.
The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.
He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.
