SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- China is taking a tough line ahead of key climate talks next month, demanding heavy cuts for other, richer nations and payouts to itself, according to a Japanese news report Friday.

The Nikkei report cited official Chinese statements Thursday calling on wealthier countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2020 from 1990 levels, and help pay for reduction schemes in poor countries, according to a published report.