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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and security matters, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.