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

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to focus on economic and security topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

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

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.