🔗 Share this article

Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and security issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

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

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.