The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Crucial Talks with Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes offered some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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