🔗 Share this article

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is expected to focus on trade and security matters, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

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

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

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