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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on trade and defense issues, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

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

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.