🔗 Share this article

Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on trade and defense matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.