Kuala Lampur, Oct. 25 -- Asean and the East Asian Summit are no strangers to women leaders, but their influence is often understated.

This year in Kuala Lumpur, as the world's attention fixates on the high-stakes negotiations between the United States and China to end their protracted trade conflict, a quieter yet equally powerful form of diplomacy is unfolding - one led by women whose presence, grace, and intellect may determine the true tone of the meetings.

Among them stands Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, whose ascent marks a watershed moment in Tokyo's political history. Her leadership style blends conviction with composure.

Though her Cabinet currently has only two women, Takaichi's firm belief in fiscal refo...