🔗 Share this article

The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense issues, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

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

This move matches a longstanding 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 weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

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

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.