🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and defense matters, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.