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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is likely to focus on economic and security topics, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

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