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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

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

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

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

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.