đź”— Share this article Japan's New PM Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Discussions with Trump. The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo. The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense matters, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner. A Historic Premiership and International Debut Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting. However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations. Managing Internal and International Challenges Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet. Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership. Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests She shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach. Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asian visit. Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March. This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII. Security Cooperation and Strains Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems. But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory. Trade Outlook and Talks Not many expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy. The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising increased purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas. Personal Rapport and the Abe Link The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders. He was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport. Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital. This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years. Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.