🔗 Share this article

Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to center on economic and defense issues, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Introduction

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

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.