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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and security issues, marking a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest tariff changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met 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 meet China's president Xi Jinping.