While China needs Japanese technology and investment for its burgeoning economy, Japan is eyeing the vast Chinese market for its products. But the two leaders skirted some issues, including the recent row over Chinese made 'poisonous dumplings'. Many Japanese had fallen ill after consuming the pesticide laced dumplings.
The two countries also have to sort out thorny sovereignty issues, over oil and gas deposits, under the East China Sea.
But the Tibet issue continued to haunt the Chinese president's visit. Several hundred protestors, carrying banners stating 'Free Tibet' and 'Don't Kill our Friends', protested in Tokyo on Tuesday afternoon. Incidentally, this is Jinato's first overseas trip after the Tibet unrest broke out in March.
During his speech at the Waseda University, approximately 200 protestors waved signs saying 'Free Tibet', outside the university gate.
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda welcomed Beijing's decision to open dialogue with the Dalai Lama's representatives, saying, "I have high expectations that the dialogue will be held patiently."
Image: Chinese President Hu Jintao (Left) with Japan Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda during a dinner in Tokyo.
Photograph: Shizuo Kambayashi/AFP/Getty Images
Also read: Tibet Revolts
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