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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to center on economic and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but both countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.