Chinese President Hu Jintao praised increased collaboration with Japan during his visit on Tuesday, aimed at building trust between the two countries despite disagreements over energy and security issues. Hu received a warm welcome from Japanese officials and Chinese supporters upon his arrival in Tokyo. In anticipation of potential protests from right-wing activists, a large police presence was deployed in the city center. Despite historical tensions between China and Japan, Hu emphasized a focus on future goals during his five-day visit, which includes official ceremonies, speeches, agreements, and cultural exchanges such as table tennis and potentially pandas. This visit, only the second ever by a Chinese leader to Japan, comes as China works to ease international concerns surrounding unrest in Tibet and ensure a successful Olympic Games in Beijing. With the two economies becoming more interconnected, Hu stated that improved relations were crucial for the prosperity of both countries. In a message to Japanese readers of a Chinese magazine, Hu expressed his hope for a lasting friendship between the people of China and Japan. He emphasized that cooperation has brought tangible benefits to both nations and has contributed to their growth and development. Hu also referred to the Beijing Games as not just Asia's Olympics, but the Olympics of the world. The relationship between Asia's two largest economies holds significant importance. China has surpassed the United States as Japan's top trade partner, with bilateral trade amounting to $236.6 billion last year, representing a 12 percent increase from 2006. Despite the opportunities presented by China's rapid economic growth, Japan is concerned about Beijing's expanding diplomatic and military influence, particularly in areas such as disputed energy resources, military capabilities, and the quality of Chinese exports. A commentator in China's People's Daily emphasized the need for continued efforts from both sides to fully improve their relations, despite some progress already made. The highlight of President Hu's visit is expected to be a summit with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, during which they aim to outline a joint strategy for managing their relationship in the future. The declarations of friendship between the two countries were uncertain in their ability to resolve disagreements, as sensitive issues regarding Taiwan, human rights, and Japan's desire for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council were still being discussed. Additionally, Japan and China were in dispute over gas reserves in the East China Sea, and a recent incident involving tainted Chinese dumplings had heightened Japanese concerns about China's growing power. Despite hopes of a breakthrough in the gas dispute, a quick resolution seemed unlikely, with Japan also seeking more transparency regarding China's increasing defense spending. Foreign critics claim that China's actual military budget is significantly higher. Tokyo is seeking support from China for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a matter that sparked anti-Japanese protests in China in 2005 due to lingering resentment over Japan's brutal occupation from 1931 to 1945. A newspaper in Hong Kong controlled by mainland China, the Ta Kung Pao, suggested that Chinese President Hu Jintao was unlikely to meet Japanese expectations. The paper pointed out that there are numerous sensitive issues that may prove difficult to resolve during the visit, including the gas dispute and the Security Council matter. The paper stated that the timing may not be right for significant progress, but some general agreements could potentially be reached. China has been urging Japan to clarify its position on Taiwan, which Beijing believes should reunite with the mainland. Japan has stated its support for "one China" that includes Taiwan, which was under Japanese rule for fifty years until 1945 and maintains strong ties with Japan. Despite this issue, both countries are emphasizing positive intentions and will release a joint document on combating climate change, an important topic for Japan as the host of the July G8 summit. During his visit, Hu may speak to university students in Tokyo, play table tennis with Fukuda, and possibly offer Japan a panda to replace one that passed away at a Tokyo zoo in April.