🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense issues, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

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