🔗 Share this article

The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and security topics, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

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

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

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.