The New PM Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Important Talks with Trump.
The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.
Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and defense issues, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.
A Significant Premiership and International Introduction
The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.
But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.
Managing Internal and International Pressures
Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.
Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.
Common Perspectives and Differing Interests
Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.
Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit.
Military Expansion and Spending Pledges
The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Strains
The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.
But, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.
Trade Outlook and Talks
Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered some ease to Japan's economy.
The PM is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.
Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link
The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.
Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.
Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance
The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
