🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and defense issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

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

Common Views and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

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

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.