The New PM Aims to Utilize Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump.

The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and security matters, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.