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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

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

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.