🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

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

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

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

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

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

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.