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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and defense issues, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

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

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue further relief by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

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

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met 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 engage with Chinese president Xi.