The New PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Donald Trump.

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to center on trade and security topics, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.