The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Donald Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and security matters, marking a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

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

Common Views and Differing Policies

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

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

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.