China hopeful of spy plane settlement - after US apology

Chinese President Jiang Zemin has said he trusts in the ability of his country and the US to end their dispute over the spy plane collision.

However he said he is still seeking an apology from the US.

He made the comments during a news conference in Uruguay, on his third stop of a six-nation Latin American tour.

He commented: "Taking into the account the important role of the two countries, we have to find a solution. I trust in the ability of both countries to resolve this issue."

Though brief, his comments sounded more upbeat about reaching settlement than comments of the past week as Chinese and US officials work to end the stand-off.

Negotiations have stalled over Beijing's demand for a full apology for the collision and Washington's refusal to give it.

Jiang said China's position was "sufficiently clear" as he stood by earlier demands that the US apologise for the downing of the Chinese jet on April 1.

The pilot is still missing and feared dead.