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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and security topics, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

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

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

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

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

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

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.