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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

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

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.