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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.