Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Important Talks with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is likely to focus on economic and security matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.
The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Managing Internal and Global Pressures
Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Views and Diverging Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.
However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Few expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.
He was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.
