The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Influence in Key Negotiations with Donald Trump.
The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and security topics, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.
The Notable Premiership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.
But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.
Handling Internal and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.
This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.
Military Expansion and Budget Commitments
The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.
However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.
Economic Expectations and Talks
Few anticipate significant concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.
He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.
It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.
