The New Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Important Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

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

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue 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 Chinese leader Xi.