Japan's New PM Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and security topics, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, but both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.