🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is likely to focus on trade and defense matters, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

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

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

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

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