🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and security matters, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.