Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Abe's Legacy in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is likely to focus on trade and defense issues, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

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

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

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

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's visit 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 he met with the former leader in previous years.

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