Chinese President Works To Ease Strained Relations
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
TOKYO — President Hu, on the first visit to Japan by a Chinese leader in 10 years, called yesterday for the Asian giants to improve their often strained relations and — as a show of goodwill — reportedly offered to lend Tokyo a pair of pandas.
But protests continued to dog China on the international stage ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games in Beijing, with hundreds of protesters marching to demand a “free Tibet.” Thousands of riot police mobilized to ensure Mr. Hu’s safety. Mr. Hu and Prime Minister Fukuda of Japan, hoping to underscore the positive during the Chinese leader’s five-day stay, hope pingpong and pandas will take the edge off more contentious problems like border disputes, historical animosity, and concerns over China’s rule in Tibet.
“We stand at a new starting point,” Mr. Hu said after his arrival. “We must develop our strategic partnership.”
Mr. Hu, the first Chinese president to come to Tokyo since Jiang Zemin in 1998, was to be given the full state guest treatment.
