🔗 Share this article The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Abe's Influence in Important Talks with Trump. The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo. The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and defense matters, marking a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner. A Notable Leadership and Global Debut The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent Asean meeting. However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation. Handling Internal and International Challenges The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament. Consequently, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance. Shared Views and Diverging Interests She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach. Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia tour. Military Build-up and Budget Commitments The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year. This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War. Security Partnership and Strains The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems. But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil. Trade Outlook and Talks Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy. Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas. Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link The value Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders. Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf. Upcoming Agenda and International Implications Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019. Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.