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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.