Nikkei reported that the USG has proposed to the other G7 members holding their annual summit in Washington on June 25-26 to discuss how to normalize the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. Other items on the agenda will reportedly be the establishment of guidelines for resuming international travel, reconfiguration of supply chains, development of COVID-19 vaccines, reform of such international institutions as the WHO and the WTO, and debt relief for developing nations. On cross-border travel, the participants are likely to discuss whether foreign travelers can be admitted entry pending the submission of certificates proving that they have received negative PCR test results. According to the daily, Tokyo has reportedly asked that the promotion of digital currency, export restrictions on dual-use technology, artificial intelligence, and international data distribution be put on the table for discussion by the G7 leaders.

Mainichi also reported on the upcoming summit, noting that Prime Minister Abe has decided to attend. He will reportedly propose the launch of an international “pool of patents” so that developing nations can share coronavirus vaccines and drugs developed by advanced countries. The paper projected that the leaders may also discuss how to deal with China amid the growing friction between Washington and Beijing over the coronavirus and Hong Kong.