🔗 Share this article

Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and defense issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect major concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.