Hundreds protest as Chinese president arrives in Japan

TOKYO, Japan (CNN) -- Hundreds of pro-Tibet demonstrators protested in Tokyo on Tuesday as Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived for the first state visit by a Chinese president in nearly a decade.

The president arrived to the sound of applause and well-wishes from supporters while protesters demonstrated a few miles away, in downtown Tokyo. They shouted "Free Tibet!" and carried signs that said "The Genocide Olympics."

Tibet is a thorny issue between the two nations, but Japan has indicated it is encouraged by weekend talks between Chinese officials and envoys of the Dalai Lama. Protesters said those talks are not enough and urged stronger action.

"Most Japanese people are angry with China," said a protester who declined to give his name. "But (Prime Minister Yasuo) Fukuda is not listening to our voices."

Hu is in Tokyo as a state guest in a sign of warming relations between the two nations. Japan hopes to discuss global warming, food safety and oil exploration in the East China Sea.

Hu is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, the Japanese emperor and business and political leaders.

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