🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to center on trade and security issues, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

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

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

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

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