The New Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Abe's Influence in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump.
Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.
The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and defense issues, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.
A Significant Premiership and International Debut
The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.
Managing Domestic and International Pressures
The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.
This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies
She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.
Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges
Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.
But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.
He was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.
It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with Abe in previous years.
Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.