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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is expected to revolve around economic and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

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

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

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

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

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