The New Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Discussions with Donald Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is expected to center on trade and security matters, marking a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

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

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

Defense Partnership and Tensions

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

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.