🔗 Share this article The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Key Discussions with Donald Trump. Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital. Attention of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally. The Significant Leadership and International Debut The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting. However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation. Handling Internal and Global Pressures Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament. This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance. Shared Views and Differing Policies She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic approach. Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia tour. Military Build-up and Spending Commitments Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March. This move matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War. Defense Cooperation and Strains The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems. But, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory. Economic Expectations and Talks Not many anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector. The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas. Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures. Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport. Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital. It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years. Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.