Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Important Talks with Trump.
Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.
The focus of their meeting is likely to center on economic and defense matters, marking a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
A Notable Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Challenges
The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.
This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, adding a element of complexity to her governance.
Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies
Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.
Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments
The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Defense Partnership and Strains
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Few expect major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.
The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection
The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.
He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
