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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and security matters, marking a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

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

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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