🔗 Share this article

Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and defense matters, marking a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces 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 the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

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

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

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

However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.