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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to focus on economic and security issues, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

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

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

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