The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Discussions with Trump.

The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is expected to center on trade and defense topics, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.