Japan's New PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Crucial Discussions with Donald Trump.

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

The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

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

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.