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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to focus on trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.