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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is likely to center on trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Notable Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but each countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

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

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of 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 relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, 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 China's president Xi Jinping.