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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and security matters, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.