🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.