Caught between these two opposing positions, China continued Thursday to insist on a full apology while saying it does not wish to see China-U.S. relations damaged and leaving it open to Washington as to how to proceed. The demands we've made in the negotiations are very clear. How the United States chooses to act is their decision. This is completely proper. The American plane landed on Hainan Island after bumping into the Chinese plane in international airspace over the South China Sea.
China says it has evidence the plane landed in violation of international and Chinese laws.
He said their exact status would not be known until an investigation is complete. China reserves the right to say how the matter will be handled next. They spent Thursday waiting for a second meeting. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing said negotiations with the Chinese government have been held throughout the day. Meanwhile, citizens interviewed on the streets of Beijing are expressing anger at American arrogance.