Japan's New Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.

The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to face her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi 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 importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.