- 14 Mar 2002
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When U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan's new prime minister, Takaichi Sanae, meet for the first time this week, both are expected to enter the talks with clear goals. Takaichi, who has become Japan's first female leader, has built her reputation on a firm, nationalist stance and her pledge to put Japan's interests first. Trump, meanwhile, is expected to press Tokyo to increase defence spending and to push for significant new Japanese investments aimed at reshaping the economic balance between the two countries.
Observers say the tone set in this initial meeting could shape U.S.–Japan relations for the next several years. Tatsumi Yuki, a former political affairs adviser at the Japanese embassy in Washington and now a senior director at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security, said Takaichi would likely want to avoid any situation in which Trump could publicly challenge her on trade or defence matters. Tatsumi added that if Takaichi manages to steer the discussion toward her own priorities — emphasising joint efforts to make the Indo-Pacific region more stable and prosperous — the meeting would count as a success for her.
Observers say the tone set in this initial meeting could shape U.S.–Japan relations for the next several years. Tatsumi Yuki, a former political affairs adviser at the Japanese embassy in Washington and now a senior director at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security, said Takaichi would likely want to avoid any situation in which Trump could publicly challenge her on trade or defence matters. Tatsumi added that if Takaichi manages to steer the discussion toward her own priorities — emphasising joint efforts to make the Indo-Pacific region more stable and prosperous — the meeting would count as a success for her.