🔗 Share this article

The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is expected to center on trade and security issues, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.