Japan's coronavirus battle has political implications for the world

Will Tokyo's relaxed approach work as well as the tougher strategies of others?

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Despite Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's declaration of a state of emergency, no legally binding restrictions on people's behavior or business operations have been imposed. © Reuters

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

TOKYO -- When the leaders of the Group of Seven richest nations held their second video conference on April 16, discussions became heated when the conversation turned to the way China has handled the coronavirus outbreak, according to diplomatic sources.

In the call initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, the G-7 leaders shared the view that they needed to work together to thwart China's efforts to take advantage of the pandemic to expand its global influence.

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