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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and security topics, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

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

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.