China still demands an official apology from the United States for the collision incident on Sunday morning, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sun Yuxi Thursday afternoon at the routine press conference.

When asked to comment on U.S. Secretary of State Collin Powell's message of regret to Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen over the missing Chinese pilot involved in the incident, Sun noted that the regret is a step in the right direction by the US towards solving this issue.

The US side is clear about China's solemn stance and demand concerning this issue and the US side must bear all responsibilities for the incident, added Sun.

China Urges US to Take Responsible Attitude Towards Collision Incident

Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan Wednesday summoned US Ambassador to China Joseph Prueher, lodging another solemn representation with the US side over the air collision incident on April 1.

Tang said that the United States should bear full responsibility for the incident and apologize to China.

(People's Daily 04/06/2001)