Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Trump.

Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful 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.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.