The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.
The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security topics, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Historic Leadership and Global Debut
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.
This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.
Military Build-up and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.
But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Not many expect major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection
The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.
He was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.
