Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Abe's Connection in Crucial Discussions with Donald Trump.

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.