Japan's New PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Influence in Important Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is likely to center on economic and defense issues, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

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