The New Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is expected to center on economic and defense topics, signaling a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.