🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is expected to center on trade and defense topics, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.