The New PM Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their summit is expected to center on economic and defense issues, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
The Historic Premiership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges
The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.
This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests
She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.
Military Build-up and Spending Commitments
Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.
Economic Expectations and Negotiations
Few expect major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.
The PM is expected to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.
Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance
The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.
