Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Trump.
The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.
The agenda of their encounter is likely to center on economic and defense topics, representing a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.
The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent Asean summit.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.
Navigating Internal and International Challenges
Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.
This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.
Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments
The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.
This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.
But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Talks
Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.
Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.
