Japan's New PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Crucial Discussions with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and defense matters, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

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

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

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

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.