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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and security topics, marking a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.