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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to center on economic and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

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

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.