Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Influence in Key Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to center on trade and security matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.