Japan PM pledges tax cuts, hits opposition in speech

New Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, his eyes on a snap poll, went on the offensive yesterday, pledging tax cuts, blasting the opposition for blocking policies and urging his rivals to help pass emergency economic steps.

Aso also said his diplomatic priority was to strengthen ties with close ally Washington while working with China and other neighbors for regional stability, and called for extending a naval mission in support of US-led operations in Afghanistan.

Aso, who took office last week after his predecessor abruptly quit, is expected to call an early general election to try to break a stalemate created by a divided parliament, where the main opposition Democratic Party and its smaller allies control the upper house and can delay bills.