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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is expected to center on trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

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

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.