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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security matters, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi.