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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and security topics, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.