🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and security matters, signaling a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

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