The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Discussions with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.
A Significant Premiership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.
But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.
Navigating Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.
Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.
Military Build-up and Budget Commitments
The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Partnership and Strains
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is expected to seek further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.
He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Implications
Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.
