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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and security matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

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

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.