The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and security topics, representing a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, but both nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.