🔗 Share this article

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and defense issues, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

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

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