China gains leverage in U.S. spy plane incident

Chinese President Jiang Zemin is still demanding a U.S. apology

By Willy Lam
CNN Senior China Analyst

Official Chinese media and websites have prominently reported the expression of "regrets" by President George W. Bush over the spy plane incident, leading to speculation a deal could be struck in the not-too-distant future.

Beijing-based diplomatic analysts said by presenting the messages of regrets by Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell as a victory for China's tough line, the administration of President Jiang Zemin has successfully protected itself from charges of being too "soft" with the U.S.

The analysts said having covered its flank, the Jiang team might be in a better position to do serious bargaining with Washington over what Beijing wants to get in return for the speedy release of the 24 U.S. crewmen held in Hainan Island.

The Chinese media on Friday quoted several American and Western newspapers and news agencies to the effect that "the American stance is softening."

National papers also prominently reported the remarks of Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi that Powell's expression of regrets was "a step in the right direction to solving this question."

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"The Xinhua news agency came out with a dispatch on Bush's 'regrets' with unusual speed," said a Beijing foreign policy scholar. "The same is true of the websites."

"The line is that Beijing has taken notice of the verbal concession and expression of goodwill by the Bush team. Beijing may still press for a full-fledged apology. But it is also possible that having won some kind of diplomatic victory, the Jiang administration may start serious negotiations with Washington soon."

Most national papers on Friday carried the Xinhua report about how "people from different circles all over the country have continued to condemn the hegemonic act of the U.S."

However, orders have also been given to police guarding American missions in Beijing and other cities to stop anti-U.S. demonstrations.

At least four demonstrators were taken away by police as they unfurled anti-American banners outside the U.S. embassy on Thursday.

And some official media has shifted the focus to bashing Japanese "neo-imperialism" in the wake of Tokyo's approval of textbooks that allegedly whitewashed Japan's role in World War Two.

Meanwhile, Jiang made reference to the China-U.S. standoff while visiting Santiago, Chile. He still demanded that Washington make an apology.

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"I have visited many countries, and I see that when people have an accident, the two groups involved… always say excuse me," Jiang said.

"Jiang has used the mild characterization of the spy plane incident as an 'accident'," said a Hong Kong-based diplomat.

He added should Bush make a goodwill gesture such as sending a high-level emissary to China, Beijing might focus on securing U.S. pledges on issues including Taiwan and trade in return for the speedy release of the crew and the spy plane.

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