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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and defense topics, signaling a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.