Spy plane crisis eases

The stand-off between the US and China over a downed spy plane showed signs of easing today after President George W Bush revealed that officials were ‘‘working all diplomatic channels’’.

He said he regretted ‘‘that a Chinese pilot is missing’’ and that his plane was lost.

But he stressed China must allow the 24 US crew members to come home.

‘‘The Chinese have got to act, and I hope they do so quickly,’’ Bush said.

Bush spoke amid a flurry of diplomatic activity over the spy plane, stranded on China’s Hainan Island since it made an emergency landing last Sunday after a midair collision with a Chinese fighter.

‘‘Our message to the Chinese is we should not let this incident destabilise relations. Our relationship with China is very important. But they need to realise that it’s time for our people to be home,’’ Bush said.

‘‘I regret that a Chinese pilot is missing and I regret one of their planes is lost. And our prayers go out to the pilot and his family. Our prayers are also with our own servicemen and women and they need to come home,’’ Bush said.

In using the word ‘‘regret,’’ Bush followed the language that has been used by other US officials, including Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The United States has declined to apologise for the mishap, despite Chinese demands.

Asked whether there were any circumstances under which he would offer an apology to the Chinese, and whether he was reconsidering his planned trip to China in October, Bush said: ‘‘I have no further comments on this subject.’’