🔗 Share this article The New Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Donald Trump. Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital. Attention of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner. The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting. However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations. Handling Domestic and International Pressures Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament. Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance. Shared Views and Differing Interests Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies. Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian tour. Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year. This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War. Defense Partnership and Tensions Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems. However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil. Trade Outlook and Negotiations Not many expect major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector. Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas. Personal Rapport and the Abe Link The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders. He was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf. Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019. Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.