Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Utilize Abe's Influence in Important Discussions with Donald Trump.

The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but both countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

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

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.