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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is expected to center on trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.