The New Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump.

The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to center on trade and defense topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

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

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure 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 the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming 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 succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.