Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Key Discussions with Trump.
The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.
A Significant Leadership and International Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.
Handling Internal and Global Challenges
The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Budget Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.
He was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
