🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.