🔗 Share this article

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security topics, marking a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Introduction

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

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.