News analysis

Japan's new PM Suga, a diplomatic greenhorn, navigates choppy waters

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TOKYO - As get-well-soon wishes poured in from world leaders on Friday (Oct 2) after United States President Donald Trump said he had tested positive for Covid-19, one voice was conspicuously absent: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

Japan's immediate response was a bland statement from Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, saying only that Japan was "aware" that Mr Trump had taken ill but is in "good health condition".

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