The New Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Talks with Trump.

The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and defense topics, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.