Japanese PM Ishiba steps down as LDP leader

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Sunday his resignation as president of the Liberal Democratic Party at a news conference.

Earlier in the day, he expressed his intention to resign as prime minister in order to avoid further division within the LDP, national broadcaster NHK reported.

The announcement comes only a day ahead of the party's Sept 8 meeting, where it will decide whether to hold an emergency leadership election.

houjunjie@chinadaily.com.cn