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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is expected to focus on economic and security matters, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first international leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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