China considers the "regret" expressed by Washington over the loss of a Chinese fighter pilot was a positive step towards ending the spy plane crisis.

"Our view is that the regret expressed by the US side is a step taken in the right direction," said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sun Yuxi on Thursday in Beijing.

Sun said the statement of regret by US Secretary of State Colin Powell was not enough and reiterated the demand by President Jiang Zemin for a full apology.

"The event happened near China's coast. After the incident the US plane illegally intruded into Chinese airspace and landed on Chinese territory. The important thing is for the US side to bear responsibility and apologize," Sun said at a regular news briefing.

Sun also said China was prepared to allow US diplomats to hold a second face-to-face meeting with the detained crew of the US plane on the southern Chinese island of Hainan, if the United States takes a "cooperative approach."

"If the US side takes a cooperative approach, we will consider arranging the next visit," said Sun.

(Chinadaily.com.cn 04/05/2001)