The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Influence in Key Talks with Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is expected to center on economic and defense topics, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

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

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

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

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

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

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi.