Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and defense issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.