🔗 Share this article

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to focus on trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

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

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after latest tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.