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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.

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

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi.