🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and defense topics, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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