🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to center on economic and defense topics, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

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

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.