However, the apparent flip-flop has opened up the LDP for attack from a number of fronts. Firstly, Japan's Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives, which has significant political clout here, will be up in arms about the turnaround.

The lack of proper mid-term deficit cuts plan in the U.S. and Japan as well as the uncertain global environment and weak growth prospects put hurdles on global fiscal consolidation, said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday in a newly-released report.

ASEAN and China reaffirmed here on Wednesday the importance of maintaining peace, stability and maritime security in the South China Sea, pledging to ensure a full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

Leaders from the 10 ASEAN member countries on Wednesday pledged to intensify their community-building efforts, and to work on a post-2015 vision for the ASEAN Community.

Pakistan's top court on Wednesday granted bail to former President Pervez Musharraf in connection with the murder of a senior tribal elder, his defence lawyers said.

Pakistan on Wednesday denied claim by the Afghan Taliban that their second-in-command Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has not been freed despite official announcements about his release.

Sydney faces what could be its hottest October day on record on Thursday, with temperatures expected to hit 42 degrees Celsius in the far west, local media reported.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said New Zealand will be one of the strongest growing of the world's advanced economies this year and the next.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Education Eddie Ng said on Friday that he had reached agreement with the kindergarten operators concerning pupil admission procedures.

Six major business and industrial associations in Taiwan on Tuesday issued a joint statement that urged the island's politicians to cease the current political strife and restore the development of Taiwan's economy.