Bush demands release of spy plane crew

President George W. Bush tonight called on China to immediately release the American crew members of a damaged navy spy plane, suggesting further delay could undermine relations between the two countries.

‘‘It is time for our servicemen and women to return home. It is time for the Chinese government to return our plane,’’ Bush said.

Bush said he wanted to give China time to respond to the weekend episode to help prevent the stalemate from escalating into a full-fledged crisis.

But, the president said in a statement at the White House, such a grace period is quickly running out.

He said he had talked to Brigadier General Neal Sealock, the US Embassy defence attache in Beijing who today met the 24 crew members on China’s Hainan island.

Bush said he was told the crew members - 21 men and three women - were in ‘‘good health, they suffered no injuries and they have not been mistreated.’’

He added: ‘‘The crew members expressed their faith in America, and we have faith in them.

‘‘They’re looking forward to coming home and we are looking forward to bringing them home.’’