The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Discussions with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and defense issues, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

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

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

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

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.