The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.
Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is likely to focus on economic and defense topics, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Significant Leadership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests
She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.
Military Build-up and Budget Commitments
The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Negotiations
Few anticipate major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.
He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.
