🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

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

A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but both countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.