Japan's New PM Aims to Utilize Abe's Legacy in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to center on trade and security issues, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.