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

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and security matters, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence 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, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.