🔗 Share this article

The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and security topics, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

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

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.