Tokyo: Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set for an early diplomatic challenge as she prepares to meet U.S. President Donald J. Trump this week, a visit that could shape her government’s defence and foreign policy direction.

Takaichi, who took office earlier this week, is Japan’s first female conservative leader and a strong advocate for bolstering national defence. Her administration faces immediate pressure to prove its resolve as Trump, now serving his second non-consecutive term, arrives with renewed expectations for Japan to take a larger role in regional security and increase its defence spending.

Takaichi’s government, formed after her ruling Liberal Democratic Party broke away from its long-time coalition partner Komeito, holds only a slim margin in parliament. To stabilize her leadership, she has allied with the nationalist Japan Innovation Party, a move that signals a shift toward a more assertive security stance.

Analysts say Trump is likely to urge Tokyo to expand its military budget beyond the planned two percent of GDP and to contribute more toward U.S.-Japan joint defence efforts, particularly in the face of rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. In exchange, Japan may offer trade concessions, including increased purchases of American agricultural and energy products.

The prime minister also faces the delicate task of managing relations with China, as her new coalition is expected to adopt a firmer position toward Beijing compared to the previous government. The loss of Komeito, known for its softer diplomatic tone, could strain Japan-China dialogue at a time of heightened regional competition.

Takaichi and Trump are expected to hold informal talks during the upcoming ASEAN summit in Malaysia before a formal bilateral meeting in Tokyo next week. Observers believe the discussions will serve as a litmus test for Japan’s future defence ambitions and its evolving alliance with Washington under Takaichi’s leadership.