【Text by Observers Net, Wang Yi】As soon as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takeda took office, she will face what may be the most severe diplomatic challenge of her political career — the upcoming visit of US President Trump in a few days.

According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News on October 22, the Japanese government announced that Trump plans to arrive in Japan on the 27th for a three-day visit, during which he will have his first face-to-face meeting with Takeda. This is Trump's first visit to Japan in nearly six years. He will also meet with Emperor Naruhito of Japan, and then visit South Korea on the 31st and attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Informal Meeting.

Reuters reported on the 22nd, citing sources, that the Takeda government is preparing a "gift" for Trump's visit — including Ford Motor Company's F-150 pickup trucks, soybeans, and liquefied natural gas purchased from the United States, and plans to submit them to Trump during the next Japan-US Trade and Security Talks. However, despite repeated requests from the United States for allies to "take more security responsibilities," Takeda is not expected to commit to new defense spending targets during this meeting.

The report points out that this meeting is seen as Takeda's first major diplomatic test after taking office. Her cabinet currently does not have a majority in the Diet, and if it can achieve results in the talks with Trump, it will help consolidate her ruling base. As a conservative hardliner, Takeda needs U.S. support to advance regional security agenda. She stated at her press conference on the 21st, "The Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's foreign and security policy."

When asked about the procurement plan and investment plan, the Japanese government replied that "it is too early to comment." The White House has not responded to the request for comment yet.

On October 21, Japanese new Prime Minister Sanae Takeda held her first press conference after taking office, explaining her views on economy, foreign affairs, etc. IC Photo

According to informed sources, Takeda's "gift" for Trump includes the Ford F-150 pickup truck first proposed by Trump himself, as well as increased imports of American soybeans proposed by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a call with Japanese representatives last week.

Trump had previously stated in an August interview with CNBC that Japan was prepared to purchase "very nice Ford F-150 pickup trucks." However, Reuters pointed out that American pickups have long faced sales difficulties in the Japanese market due to their large size and high fuel consumption, which do not fit local driving conditions, and are only likely to be modified for snow removal vehicles.

As for American soybeans, their exports have suffered due to China's reduced purchases from the United States. In September, US soybean exports to China fell to zero for the first time in nearly seven years. According to sources, Japan may reduce its soybean imports from Brazil to make space for increased imports from the United States. Currently, US soybeans account for about 70% of Japan's consumption.

Sources also said that Japan plans to further increase its imports of American liquefied natural gas, but it will not involve the Alaska natural gas project that Trump strongly promotes. Officials from both sides will also discuss a list of candidate projects under the $550 billion investment framework, and Trump will finally decide on the direction of investment.

During the Liberal Democratic Party's new president election, Takeda was the only one among five candidates who questioned the investment agreement as "too favorable to the US," but after winning, she stated that she would abide by the agreement.

According to Reuters, Takeda has repeatedly expressed her desire to strengthen security cooperation with the US. Currently, Japan is the largest overseas military deployment location for the US, including aircraft carriers, Marine Expeditionary Forces, and dozens of aircraft.

Sources said that Takeda plans to express her willingness to accelerate Japan's defense expansion during next week's meeting, aiming to exceed 2% of GDP by 2027. Japanese Foreign Minister Masaru Higashikata defended this on the 22nd, stating, "The key is not the amount or the proportion of GDP, but the actual enhancement of defense capabilities."

On the 21st, Takeda also instructed the Ministry of Defense to re-examine three security strategy documents formulated in 2022, which formed the basis for Japan's largest military expansion since World War II.

However, experts interviewed by The Washington Post believe that defense spending is a field where Takeda needs to be cautious. Jeffrey Hornung, a researcher at the RAND Corporation, said that Trump wants Japan to significantly increase its spending on US troops starting next year, but Takeda's Liberal Democratic Party government is currently in a minority in the Diet, with low political support, limited bargaining power in negotiations with the US, and may find itself in a passive position.

"When a leader lacks a solid political foundation, it is difficult to effectively counter American demands," Hornung said.

Takeda is 64 years old, the first female prime minister of Japan, and a known right-wing conservative nationalist politician. She succeeded former Prime Minister Ishiba, who resigned due to electoral defeat, leading the Liberal Democratic Party to form a government without the majority of its long-term ruling coalition, with a weak ruling base.

The Washington Post referred to Takeda as "the Thatcher of Japan," but she is not an advocate of gender equality. Her political ideology has been deeply influenced by former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, long advocating for constitutional reform, strengthening defense forces, and "decriminalization" on historical issues. She has participated in revising Japanese history textbooks, downplaying the expression of aggression.

Yet, this so-called "Iron Lady" known for nationalism has had to face the constraints of real politics after taking office: Japan highly depends on the US in foreign affairs, and economically requires a stable trade environment. She previously criticized the $550 billion investment agreement with the US as "severely favoring American interests," but after taking office, she had to change her statement, saying "the risks are manageable and still commercially reasonable."

"Takeda's path ahead is destined to be very arduous," said Takahiko Taniguchi, a former special advisor to Abe. "This is an unusual moment in Japanese politics."

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7564047889706828288/

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