President Trump’s upcoming visit to Japan marks a pivotal moment in the recalibration of the US-Japan alliance, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signals a return to Abe-era assertiveness in countering China’s regional ambitions. In a move laden with geopolitical symbolism, President Donald Trump will travel to Japan from October 27 to 29 for his first in-person summit with newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This visit not only reaffirms the strategic importance of the US-Japan alliance but also underscores Tokyo’s renewed commitment to a robust Indo-Pacific posture under Takaichi’s leadership. Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister earlier this month, is widely seen as a staunch conservative and ideological heir to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Her ascent signals a continuity of Abe’s foreign policy doctrine—centred on strengthening Japan’s defence capabilities, deepening ties with Washington, and countering China’s growing influence. In fact, Chinese state media have reportedly dubbed her “the second Abe,” a moniker that reflects Beijing’s unease with her hawkish stance and unapologetic nationalism. The timing of Trump’s visit is no coincidence. With tensions simmering in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and over economic coercion, both Washington and Tokyo are recalibrating their strategic priorities. Takaichi has openly stated her intent to fortify the US-Japan alliance as a bulwark against Chinese aggression, echoing Abe’s vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Her administration has already signalled increased defence spending and a willingness to revise Japan’s pacifist Constitution—moves likely to be welcomed by Trump, who has long urged allies to shoulder more of the security burden. For Trump, the visit offers a chance to reaffirm his Indo-Pacific strategy and cultivate a personal rapport with Takaichi, much like the one he shared with Abe. It also allows him to project strength on the global stage amid domestic political headwinds. For Takaichi, hosting Trump is an opportunity to solidify Japan’s strategic relevance and demonstrate her diplomatic acumen early in her tenure. Yet the visit is not without risks. Beijing will be watching closely, interpreting any joint statements or defence commitments as provocations. The optics of a Trump-Takaichi summit—two leaders known for their nationalist rhetoric—could further inflame regional tensions. But for Tokyo and Washington, the calculus is clear: deterrence through unity. In essence, Trump’s visit is more than ceremonial. It is a strategic signal—to allies, adversaries, and domestic audiences—that the US-Japan alliance is not only intact but evolving to meet the challenges of a more contested Asia. With Takaichi at the helm, Japan appears poised to reclaim its role as a proactive security partner, and Trump’s presence in Tokyo will be the first test of that resolve.
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The nephew of the Dalai Lama, Khedroob Thondup is a geopolitical analyst.
