Japan's New PM Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Talks with Trump.

Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant foreign policy test as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.