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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.