Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

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

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

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

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.