The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Crucial Negotiations with Donald Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to focus on trade and defense matters, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience 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 same venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.