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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to revolve around economic and security matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.