🔗 Share this article The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump. The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital. Attention of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security issues, representing a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner. The Historic Premiership and Global Debut Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit. However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation. Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet. Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership. Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies. Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit. Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year. This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII. Security Cooperation and Strains The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles. But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil. Economic Outlook and Negotiations Few anticipate major agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector. Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas. Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite international figures. He was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport. Upcoming Agenda and International Significance The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital. It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019. Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.