🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to center on economic and security matters, marking a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

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