🔗 Share this article Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Trump. The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo. The focus of their summit is expected to center on trade and defense topics, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner. The Notable Leadership and Global Debut The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting. But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation. Managing Domestic and International Challenges Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament. This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership. Common Perspectives and Differing Policies Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies. Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit. Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March. This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War. Security Cooperation and Tensions The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems. But, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory. Trade Outlook and Talks Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy. The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas. Individual Rapport and the Abe Link The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders. He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport. Upcoming Agenda and International Implications Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo. This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019. Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.