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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and defense issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.