🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around economic and security matters, marking a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

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

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.