Japan's New Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.
The focus of their encounter is expected to center on economic and defense topics, marking a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.
A Historic Premiership and Global Debut
The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Managing Internal and Global Challenges
The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Not many expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection
The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.
Abe was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
