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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet each nations have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.