🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and defense matters, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.