When Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Tokyo for a state visit, he praised the closer cooperation between China and Japan despite disagreements over energy resources and security. Hu was welcomed by Japanese officials and Chinese well-wishers, while police were on alert for potential protests by right-wing activists. China is presenting itself as a friendly neighbor after years of conflict with Japan, and Hu is focusing on positive goals for his visit, including ceremonies, speeches, agreements, and cultural exchanges such as table tennis and panda diplomacy. This visit is significant as China works to ease tensions over Tibetan unrest and ensure a successful Olympic Games. Hu emphasized the importance of strong relations between China and Japan for the prosperity of both countries, stating that cooperation has brought tangible benefits and contributed to the growth and development of each nation. He expressed his hope for lasting friendship between the people of China and Japan, highlighting the significance of their achievements and the Beijing Games as a symbol of unity on a global scale. There is a lot at stake in the relationship between the two largest economies in Asia. China has become Japan's top trade partner, surpassing the United States last year with trade worth $236.6 billion, a 12 percent increase from 2006. While China's rapid growth presents opportunities, Japan is concerned about Beijing's increasing diplomatic and military influence, especially regarding disputed energy resources, military capabilities, and the quality of Chinese exports. Despite some progress in their relationship, further efforts are needed from both sides to fully improve relations. The highlight of Hu's visit will be a summit with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Wednesday, where they aim to announce a joint plan for managing their relationship in the future. However, it was uncertain whether the declarations of friendship would resolve disagreements or simply cover them with positive language. According to Japanese media reports, sensitive topics such as Taiwan, human rights, Japan's desire for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, and gas reserves in the East China Sea were still being discussed. The two countries are also in dispute over the gas reserves, while a recent incident involving Chinese-made dumplings contaminated with pesticide has been seen as a sign of Japan's concerns about China's growing power. 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 information about China's increasing defense spending, which is set at 418 billion yuan ($60 billion) for 2008, a 17.6 percent increase from the previous year and surpassing Japan's defense budget. Foreign critics suggest that China's actual military budget is higher than officially reported. Tokyo is seeking Chinese support for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a contentious issue that sparked anti-Japanese protests in China in 2005 due to resentment over Japan's occupation from 1931-1945. A Hong Kong newspaper, Ta Kung Pao, controlled by mainland China, indicated that Chinese President Hu was unlikely to meet Japanese expectations. The paper mentioned sensitive issues such as the gas dispute and the Security Council matter that may be challenging to resolve during the visit. It suggested that while a concrete resolution may not be feasible at this time, some vague agreements could potentially be reached. China has urged Japan to clarify its position on Taiwan, which Beijing believes should reunify with China. Japan has expressed 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 combating climate change. Chinese President Hu will speak to university students in Tokyo, potentially play table tennis with Fukuda, and may offer Japan a panda to replace one that recently passed away in a Tokyo zoo.