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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is likely to focus on economic and security issues, marking a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

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

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.