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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to center on economic and security matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

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

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

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

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

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