🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security issues, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

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

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.