🔗 Share this article

Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

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

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

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

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.