Japan's New PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Important Discussions with Donald Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Premiership and Global Debut

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

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

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

However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal 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.

Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.