🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and security issues, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.