Japan's New Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Abe's Influence in Important Discussions with Trump.

Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.