🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and security topics, representing a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.