Japan's New PM Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Donald Trump.

The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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