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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense issues, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

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

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.