Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Crucial Talks with Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.
The agenda of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Notable Premiership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.
Handling Domestic and Global Pressures
Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.
Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.
However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after latest tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
The former president's visit to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.