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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and security topics, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.