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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to center on economic and security issues, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

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

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

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