Across Asia: Japan

PM unveils new tax plan

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda yesterday unveiled a new proposal to try to break a political deadlock over a contentious gasoline tax set to expire on Monday, but the opposition appeared unimpressed.

The paralysis born of a divided parliament has prevented the appointment of a new Bank of Japan governor and sparked speculation that Fukuda's ruling party might try to replace him ahead of a general election that could come this year.