Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is likely to focus on economic and defense issues, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.