🔗 Share this article

The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue further relief by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.