🔗 Share this article

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.