Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Key Talks with Trump.

Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is expected to revolve around economic and security matters, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Notable Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.