The New Prime Minister Aims to Utilize Abe's Influence in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump.

The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to focus on trade and defense topics, representing a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, but both nations have faced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.