🔗 Share this article The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Leverage Abe's Influence in Crucial Discussions with Trump. The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital. Attention of their summit is likely to center on trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally. A Notable Premiership and International Introduction Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean summit. But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations. Handling Internal and International Pressures The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament. Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership. Shared Views and Differing Interests Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies. Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian tour. Military Build-up and Budget Pledges Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March. This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII. Defense Partnership and Strains Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems. But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory. Trade Outlook and Talks Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's export sector. Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas. Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection The value the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders. He was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf. Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital. It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019. Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.