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China signals it wants apology over plane incident or risk relations w

China is signalling that it wants America's president, George W-Bush, to apologise over the current spy plane incident, or risk hurting relations between the two sides.

In an apparent attempt to soothe Chinese feelings, Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed regret over the loss of the Chinese pilot, who parachuted out of his fighter over the South China Sea and was presumed dead.

China correspondent Tom O'Byrne reports, the expression of regret is being ignored in Beijing:

China's state-run newspapers are suggesting that as far as the government is concerned, the Chinese pilot of the plane that collided with the American spy plane is still alive. Wang Wei's wife and children have been interviewed and remain hopeful, as up to 40 ships and planes continue to scour the South China Sea under direct orders from president Jiang Zemin. The president is now on an official trip to South America, which China watchers interpret as an indication this incident will not be resolved soon. The president's demand for an apology, they say, means he expects to hear from no less than his American counterpart, George W-Bush.

5/04/01 18:07:07 | ABC Radio Australia News

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