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TOKYO : Chinese President Hu Jintao spend the third day of his Japan tour with former Japanese leaders and young Japanese.
Mr Hu is the first Chinese head of state to visit Japan in a decade, and while the trip has been largely positive, some unhappiness remain over bilateral issues.
It was the one of the highlights of the visit, and Chinese President Hu Jintao did not disappoint.
During his visit to the elite Waseda University, which is also Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's alma mater, Mr Hu played a game of ping pong with Japanese table-tennis star Ai Fukuhara.
While many at the university gave the Chinese leader a warm welcome, some right-wingers and pro-Tibet protesters were also present to voice their objections.
"We are a part of Asia, so I must let the Chinese president and media know that we do not agree to the unfairness towards Tibetans," said a Japanese.
While some unhappiness remains, Mr Hu is determined to push for better bilateral ties.
"By taking full advantage of tradition and knowledge developed in the long history of the China-Japan friendship, China and Japan should continue to work together in a coordinated manner to pursue a higher goal with the change of times," said the President Hu.
Until a few years ago, Beijing has reiterated bitter memories of Japan's wartime atrocities.
Anger was ignited due to the annual visit by then prime minister Junichiro Koizumi to the Yasukuni war shrine. There were anti-Japan protests in cities around China. Those who claimed to have worked as comfort women under the Japanese military demanded for Japan's apology.
Analysts noted that Mr Hu was willing to set aside historical issues this time round, and instead focus on common interests.
"The opportunities are recognised, that we can work together on many important issues. I think working together is an important way to overcome animosities caused by the very unfortunate historical experiences in early half of the 20th century," said Professor Seiichiro Takagi from the Department of Political Science at Aoyama Gakuin University.
While the mood may be upbeat now, observers cautioned that sticky issues, such as the dispute over the East China Sea gas fields, will require the political will from both countries to resolve. - CNA /ls
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