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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is likely to center on economic and defense issues, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

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

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

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

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

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.