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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

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

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.