🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, representing a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.