Japan's New Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Abe's Connection in Important Discussions with Donald Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to focus on trade and security topics, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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