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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and security matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.