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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and security topics, marking a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.