🔗 Share this article The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Talks with Trump. The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital. The focus of their summit is expected to center on trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally. A Significant Premiership and International Debut The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting. But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation. Navigating Internal and Global Pressures Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament. This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance. Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies. Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia visit. Military Expansion and Spending Pledges The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year. This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War. Defense Partnership and Tensions Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems. However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil. Trade Expectations and Talks Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy. Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas. Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures. He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport. Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019. Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.