Trump and Takaichi…an early test for US-Japanese relations in light of rapid Asian transformations

The first visit of US President Donald Trump to Asia in his second term is attracting widespread attention, as attention is focused on how he interacts with the new Japanese Prime Minister, Sana Takeichi.

 

Trump will head to Asia on Friday evening to visit Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, and will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to What was reported by the Japanese Kyodo News Agency.

Trump is scheduled to begin an official three-day visit to Japan on Monday, less than a week after Takaichi was elected as the country’s first woman prime minister. Dealing with Trump, who has become more politically experienced than his first term, is seen as a challenge for any foreign leader.

In the world of diplomacy, personal relationships play a pivotal role, and this is especially true for Trump. With the limited time available for Takaichi to prepare for their first direct meeting, she faces a difficult task to build a working relationship with the US President and ensure the stability of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Christy Govella, senior advisor and head of the Japan Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that Takaichi “has the capabilities to build an understanding with Trump thanks to the similarity of their positions.” conservative,” adding that she could follow the path of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who succeeded in consolidating her relationship with Trump based on a similar ideological affinity.

In this context, Bonnie Glaser, Executive Director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund in Washington, stressed that “the most important thing that must be What the new Japanese Prime Minister seeks is to establish a good relationship with President Trump,” noting that the latter “respects strong leaders with clear positions,” calling on Takaichi to present her vision for the future of Japan and the security alliance with Washington during their meeting in Tokyo.

Analysts believe that Takaichi has a close relationship with the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gives her a special advantage that may help her win Trump’s favor, as Abe was among the leaders most in harmony with Trump during his first term. Taikaichi is known for her strict conservative positions and her great interest in security and defense issues, and she has granted prominent positions to a number of politicians close to Abe, stressing her desire to continue his economic and defense approach.

During her press conference after taking office, Taikaichi used phrases similar to Abe’s speech, pledging to “restore Japanese diplomacy.” Which thrives at the center of the global stage.”

Trump is scheduled to leave Japan on Wednesday heading to South Korea, the last stop on his Asian tour that also includes an expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

In light of the renewed trade tensions between the United States and China, observers do not expect an achievement. A major breakthrough in relations between the two countries. Trump is currently focusing on trade and technological issues with Beijing more than on the security file or the Taiwan issue.

Glaser believes that despite Trump’s lack of talk about Taiwan, Xi is likely to raise the issue during their meeting, in an attempt to obtain confirmation from the US President of his opposition to the island’s independence. She added that Trump’s upcoming meeting with Takaichi may give the latter an opportunity to present the concerns of Japan and the countries of the region regarding the security of Taiwan and the stability of its vital strait.

As for the trade war between Washington and Beijing, Trump has continued his escalatory approach, threatening to impose additional duties of 100% on Chinese goods as of November 1 in response to Beijing’s new restrictions on metal exports.

Jovela, who also holds the position of professor of international relations at Oxford University, said that Trump “will use his Asian tour to confirm his image as a global dealmaker,” adding that “the trip, regardless of its tangible results, will constitute an opportunity for him to highlight his central role in shaping regional policy.” And international".

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