13 April, 2001, 01:26 GMT 02:26 UK

US stands firm on spy flights

The crew are being questioned in Hawaii President George Bush has said the United States will continue surveillance flights off the coast of China, despite Beijing's demand that they be halted.

Mr Bush was speaking after the crew of the detained US spy plane returned to Hawaii.

The 24 crew members were held in southern China for 12 days after their Navy surveillance plane collided with a Chinese fighter jet. They were received in Hawaii with applause and a brass band.

Mr Bush said Beijing's position did not advance US-China relations, and he reiterated the US line that the EP-3 spy plane was in international airspace when the incident occurred.

"Reconnaissance flights are part of a comprehensive national security strategy that helps maintain peace and stability in our world," he said.

China allowed the crew to leave Hainan island on Wednesday after the US expressed sorrow over the loss of the Chinese fighter pilot involved in the incident.

The crew's pilot, Lieutenant Shane Osborn, said they were "definitely glad to be back".

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001