🔗 Share this article

The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.