🔗 Share this article

The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to center on economic and defense issues, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.