Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Influence in Key Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to revolve around economic and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

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