Japan's New PM Aims to Utilize Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and defense issues, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.
A Notable Premiership and Global Debut
The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.
Managing Internal and Global Challenges
The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests
She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Commitments
The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Few anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
