Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Donald Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and defense matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.