The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

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

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

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

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

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

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