Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Trump.

The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security issues, signaling a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but each countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.