🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and defense matters, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

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

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

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

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.