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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense issues, representing a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

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

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

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

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.