Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and security issues, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
The Historic Leadership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.
Navigating Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.
Common Views and Differing Interests
She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.
Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided some relief to the country's economy.
Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link
The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.
Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
