🔗 Share this article The Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Leverage Abe's Connection in Crucial Talks with Donald Trump. The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital. The agenda of their encounter is likely to focus on trade and security issues, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner. A Significant Leadership and Global Debut The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting. However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations. Managing Internal and Global Pressures The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet. This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership. Common Perspectives and Differing Interests Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies. Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asia visit. Military Build-up and Spending Commitments Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year. This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII. Security Cooperation and Strains The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems. However, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil. Economic Expectations and Talks Few anticipate significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy. Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas. Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders. He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf. Upcoming Agenda and International Significance The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo. It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years. Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.