Japan's New Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Abe's Legacy in Key Discussions with Trump.

Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she meets former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

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

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.