Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Important Discussions with Trump.

The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.