Japan's Recently Appointed PM Aims to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

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

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.