🔗 Share this article

The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, 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 introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters this week, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.