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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and defense matters, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

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