Japan's New PM Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Talks with Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, marking a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.