Chinese President Hu Jintao praised increased collaboration with Japan as he arrived in Tokyo for a state visit aimed at building trust between the two countries despite disagreements concerning energy resources and security. Hu received a warm welcome from Japanese officials and enthusiastic Chinese supporters upon his arrival. In anticipation of potential protests by right-wing activists who view China as a threat, a large police presence was deployed in downtown Tokyo. Despite past conflicts over Japan's actions during wartime, China is presenting itself as a friendly neighbor and Hu is focusing on future-oriented objectives during his five-day visit, which includes formalities, speeches, agreements, as well as cultural exchanges such as table tennis and the possibility of loaning pandas to Japan. This second ever state visit by a Chinese leader to Japan is occurring as China works to alleviate international concerns regarding unrest in Tibet, which has the potential to overshadow Beijing's upcoming Olympic Games, a symbol of national pride. Hu emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between China and Japan, stating that the two economies are increasingly interconnected. He expressed his hope for long-lasting friendship between the people of both countries and highlighted the benefits that cooperation has brought to their respective populations. Hu also referred to the Beijing Games as not only "Asia's Olympics" but also "the world's Olympics". There is a lot at stake in the relationship between Asia's two largest economies. China surpassed the United States as Japan's top trading partner last year, with total trade amounting to $236.6 billion, an increase of 12 percent from 2006. While China's rapid economic growth presents opportunities, Japan is also concerned about Beijing's growing diplomatic and military influence, especially in areas such as disputed energy resources, military strength, and the quality of Chinese exports. A commentator in China's People's Daily noted that despite some progress in relations between China and Japan, further efforts are needed from both sides to fully improve their relationship. The highlight of Hu's visit is expected to be a summit with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Wednesday, where they aim to outline a joint plan for managing their ties in the future. However, it was uncertain whether the expressions of friendship would resolve differences or simply cover them up with pleasant words. Reports from Japanese media indicated that sensitive issues related to Taiwan, human rights, Japan's desire for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, were still being discussed. The two nations are also in conflict over the rights to gas reserves in the East China Sea, and a dispute over Chinese dumplings contaminated with pesticide has come to symbolize Japan's concerns about China's growing influence. Both countries had hoped for progress in the gas dispute before Hu's visit, but a quick resolution seems unlikely. Japan is also seeking more transparency regarding China's increasing defense budget, which is set at 418 billion yuan ($60 billion) for 2008, a 17.6 percent increase from 2007 and surpassing Japan's defense budget. Foreign critics claim that China's actual military budget is significantly higher. Tokyo is seeking China's support for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a topic that sparked anti-Japanese demonstrations in China in 2005 due to lingering resentment over Japan's brutal occupation from 1931 to 1945. A Hong Kong newspaper controlled by mainland China, the Ta Kung Pao, suggested that Hu Jintao was unlikely to meet Japan's expectations. The paper mentioned sensitive issues such as the gas dispute and the Security Council matter that may be difficult to resolve during the visit. The paper also mentioned that although the timing may not be right, there could be potential for reaching some vague agreements. China has urged Japan to clarify its position on Taiwan, which Beijing believes should reunite with China. Japan has stated its support for a unified China that includes Taiwan, a former Japanese colony with strong ties to Japan. Despite this issue, both countries are focused on promoting goodwill and will release a joint document on addressing climate change. Chinese President Hu will speak to university students in Tokyo, possibly play table tennis with Fukuda, and may offer Japan a new panda to replace one that recently passed away in a Tokyo zoo.