🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and security issues, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

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

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.