The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Talks with Donald Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to focus on trade and security matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Notable Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

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

This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect major concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

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

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.