The New PM Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Discussions with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.
The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
A Historic Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.
However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.
Handling Domestic and International Challenges
Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.
Common Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.
Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.
Military Build-up and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Security Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.
However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Few expect significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.
Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection
The value the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.
He was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications
The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.
