Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Influence in Important Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is likely to center on economic and security issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.