The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Influence in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.
Attention of their encounter is expected to center on economic and security topics, marking a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.
The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.
However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Pressures
Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.
But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.
Economic Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided some relief to the country's economy.
The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by promising greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.
Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.