🔗 Share this article Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Important Negotiations with Trump. The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital. The agenda of their summit is likely to center on economic and security issues, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally. The Notable Premiership and International Introduction The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest Asean summit. But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations. Managing Domestic and Global Challenges The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament. Consequently, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance. Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach. Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asia visit. Military Build-up and Budget Commitments Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March. This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII. Defense Partnership and Tensions The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems. But, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil. Economic Expectations and Talks Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's export sector. Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas. Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders. Abe was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport. Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital. This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019. Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.