Japan's New Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Crucial Discussions with Donald Trump.
The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.
The agenda of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and security matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.
The Significant Premiership and International Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.
However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.
Managing Internal and International Challenges
The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.
Shared Views and Differing Policies
She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.
Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges
The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Negotiations
Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.
The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection
The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.
Abe was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
