🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense topics, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

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

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.