🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to focus on trade and defense issues, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

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 proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.