The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Negotiations with Donald Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is expected to center on trade and defense matters, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

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

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

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

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.