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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and security topics, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and Global Debut

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

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

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

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

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

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.