Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Abe's Legacy in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic test as she meets former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.
A Notable Leadership and International Debut
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.
Navigating Domestic and International Challenges
Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Differing Interests
Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.
Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asian visit.
Military Build-up and Spending Pledges
The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.
Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Schedule and International Implications
Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
