The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
The agenda of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security topics, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
The Significant Leadership and International Debut
The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.
However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.
Handling Domestic and Global Pressures
The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.
Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.
Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asian tour.
Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments
The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Defense Cooperation and Strains
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.
But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Schedule and International Significance
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
