Japan's New PM Faces Diplomatic Challenges with Trump & China

Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, is confronting a series of significant diplomatic challenges shortly after taking office. Her agenda includes a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo, participation in regional summits in Malaysia and South Korea, and managing complex relations with China.

Key Highlights

• Prime Minister Takaichi faces diplomatic challenges with Trump, China, and regional summits.
• Her administration's defense policies may strain relations with neighboring countries.

Takaichi, who assumed office with limited experience in foreign affairs, is tasked with navigating Trump's demands and unpredictability, as well as addressing China's concerns over Japan's military buildup and her right-wing views on Japan's wartime history. She has pledged to accelerate Japan's defense spending to 2% of GDP, aligning with Trump's expectations but potentially exacerbating tensions with China.

The diplomatic calendar is packed for Takaichi, with meetings scheduled in Malaysia with Southeast Asian leaders, followed by a return to Japan for talks with Trump, and concluding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. Chinese leaders have yet to publicly congratulate Takaichi, indicating strained relations, and a one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit would be unexpected.

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Takaichi's administration, formed through a coalition with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, faces challenges in maintaining political stability, as it lacks a majority in the lower house of parliament. Her government's approach to defense and historical issues may further strain regional relationships, particularly with South Korea. Takaichi's ability to manage these diplomatic challenges will be crucial in shaping Japan's foreign policy in the coming years.