🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and defense issues, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

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