🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and security topics, signaling a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.