Asian geopolitics could shift with Takaichi-Trump meetings

WHILE media attention focuses on the upcoming Asean and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summits, US President Donald Trump’s multi-day trip to Japan next week also spotlights the nation’s growing geopolitical and geo-economic importance amid political tumult in Tokyo.

International interest is partly driven by the leadership transition in Tokyo and the appointment of Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister. Takaichi, who styles herself as a new Margaret Thatcher (the UK’s first female prime minister), may well be a kindred spirit to Trump with her anti-immigration and conservative nationalist views.

Trump has already feted Takaichi, calling her “a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength”, and her election “tremendous news for the incredible people of Japan”.