Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Donald Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to focus on trade and security topics, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

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

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.