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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to center on trade and security issues, marking a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.