The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

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

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

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

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

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

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.