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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, marking a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

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