🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

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

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

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

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

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

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

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

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

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.