🔗 Share this article The Recently Appointed PM Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Trump. Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to face her primary foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo. The focus of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and defense issues, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner. The Significant Premiership and International Debut Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit. But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations. Handling Internal and International Challenges The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament. This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership. Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach. Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour. Military Expansion and Budget Commitments Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March. This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War. Defense Cooperation and Tensions The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles. However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil. Economic Outlook and Talks Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector. Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas. Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders. He was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport. Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital. This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years. Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.