🔗 Share this article The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Donald Trump. Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital. The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense topics, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner. A Significant Premiership and International Debut The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the latest Asean meeting. However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations. Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet. This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership. Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic approach. Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour. Military Build-up and Budget Commitments Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March. This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War. Defense Partnership and Tensions The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles. However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil. Trade Outlook and Negotiations Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's economy. The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas. Individual Rapport and the Abe Link The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures. He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as the sport. Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years. Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.