🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to revolve around economic and security topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

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

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.