Washington's statement on the mid-air plane collision near China's Hainan Island so far is "unacceptable," Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen said, urging again the US side to apologize.

"The position of the Chinese Government on this incident is very clear. The US side should take up its responsibilities for the incident," said Qian in a letter passed on to US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Qian also demanded that the US side provide convincing explanations to the Chinese people and start consultations with the Chinese side on how to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

"Regrettably, the US statement on this incident so far is unacceptable to the Chinese side, and the Chinese people have found it most dissatisfying," said the letter, which was conveyed by Chinese Ambassador to the US Yang Jiechi to US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage.

"China hates to see the bilateral relations damaged by this incident. It has therefore kept a cool head and exercised great restraint in handling this matter," Qian said in the letter.

It is essential for the US side to face up to the facts squarely, adopt a positive and practical approach and apologize to the Chinese people, Qian said. "Then, the two sides may move on to discuss matters concerning the US military plane and other remaining problems," he added.

Powell said earlier in his letter to Qian that "We very much regret the pain this accident has caused. President Bush is very concerned about your missing pilot. His thoughts and prayers are with the pilot's family members and loved ones, as are mine and all Americans."

"I want to work with you toward a productive and successful relationship and to putting this unfortunate accident behind," Powell said.

(China Daily 04/07/2001)