🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to center on trade and security matters, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and International Introduction

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

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty adjustments offered some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.