Japan's New PM Seeks to Utilize Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Donald Trump.

Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to center on economic and defense issues, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

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

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.