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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and security matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, yet both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.