Japan's New PM Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Influence in Crucial Talks with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is expected to center on trade and defense matters, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes provided some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

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