Sanae Takaichi Faces Major Diplomatic Tests as Likely Prime Minister

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Newly elected Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi will face a series of critical diplomatic challenges upon her anticipated assumption of the prime ministership at an extraordinary Diet session in mid-October.

The most significant of these will be the visit from United States President Donald Trump, currently slated for October 27–29. 

Their first face-to-face summit will test Takaichi's ability to strengthen the Japan–US alliance and build personal rapport.

With China and South Korea viewing Takaichi as a "hawk," she will also need to advance relations with the East Asian states while firmly asserting Japan's positions where necessary.

Testing Japan-US Ties

Trump's upcoming visit to Japan will be his first since attending the G20 Osaka Summit in June 2019. 

At that time, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe leveraged their shared interest in golf to foster a strong personal relationship. It laid the groundwork for a significant deepening of bilateral ties. 

Some observers point out that Takaichi lacks experience in key diplomatic roles, leaving her largely untested on the international stage. 

Yet those close to her express confidence, noting, "Takaichi possesses strong interpersonal skills. There is no cause for concern."

Defense Boost on the Table

If a summit materializes, Trump may push for an increase in Japan's defense spending. Takaichi has signaled a willingness to take on that challenge. 

Takaichi commented on raising defense spending to 2% of GDP by fiscal year 2027, as outlined in Japan's three key national security documents, in an October 1 contribution to the Hudson Institute. She stated that Japan will "continuously review its strategy and defense capabilities."

Amid rising tensions in East Asia, she has also signaled that the target may need to be raised beyond 2%.

Engaging the Neighbors 

Takaichi is also expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, which starts on October 31. 

A key focus of her visit will be to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and also with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

In the same contribution, Takaichi noted, "Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are, of course, concerns for Japan and are of the utmost importance to the international community." 

While avoiding direct mention of Xi, she added, "I also wish to engage in solid and candid dialogue with Chinese leaders." 

The event presents an opportunity to convey Japan's position to Beijing.

Spotlight on Yasukuni Shrine

Meanwhile, Beijing and Seoul remain highly wary of Takaichi due to her long-standing practice of visiting Yasukuni Shrine. 

During the LDP leadership campaign, she did not clarify whether she would continue the practice as prime minister. 

The Shrine's Annual Fall Rites is scheduled from October 17 to 19, and Takaichi has attended every year. Conservative supporters expect the new LDP leader to continue this tradition. 

Her decision this year will therefore be closely observed.

RELATED: 

• Sanae Takaichi: What the Foreign Media Gets Wrong About Her 
• Sanae Takaichi Makes History as LDP's First Woman Leader

Author: Yusuke Oshima, The Sankei Shimbun

(Read this in Japanese)

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