Japan has drastically scaled back its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, possibly complicating efforts to forge a global climate change pact.

Brash, right-leaning former foreign minister Taro Aso announced today that he will run for ruling party president in a move that would put him on track to take over as Japan’s next prime minister.

JAPANESE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government suffered a crushing defeat in upper house elections yesterday but the conservative leader insisted he would stay in power.