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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and defense matters, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.