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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to center on economic and defense topics, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

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

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

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