🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is expected to focus on economic and defense topics, signaling a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

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

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.