🔗 Share this article Japan's Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Trump. The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital. The focus of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and security issues, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally. The Historic Leadership and International Debut The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting. But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation. Managing Domestic and Global Pressures Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament. Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance. Shared Views and Differing Policies Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach. Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit. Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March. This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War. Security Partnership and Tensions Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems. But, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil. Economic Outlook and Talks Few expect major agreements on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector. Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas. Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures. He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as the sport. Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital. This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019. Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.