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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on trade and security issues, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.