US-China showdown over Hong Kong puts Japan in bind

Abe caught between Trump's expanded G-7 and Xi's state visit

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U.S. President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend the Group of 20 summit in Osaka in 2019. © Reuters

SHOTARO MIYASAKA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The escalating U.S. pressure against China over Hong Kong has left Japan facing a delicate diplomatic balancing act between toeing the line with the top ally and boosting ties with a neighbor ready to send its leader for a state visit.

"It might be a G-10, G-11," U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday as he suggested postponing this month's Group of Seven summit until at least September and extended an invitation to Russia, Australia, India and South Korea.

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