🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is likely to center on economic and defense issues, signaling a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.