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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she meets former US President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and defense issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.