🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security topics, representing a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but each countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

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

He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.