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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

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

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

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

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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 the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.