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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to center on trade and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks 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 the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.