The Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Talks with Donald Trump.

The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor 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.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.