http://news.bbc.co.uk/low/english/world/asia-pacific/newsid_1254000/1254397.stm

Sunday, 1 April, 2001, 11:39 GMT 12:39 UK
US spy plane forced to land

A United States Navy surveillance plane has made an emergency landing in
southern China after suffering damage during a collision with one of two
Chinese fighter jets that intercepted it.
The US Pacific Command said its EP-3 plane issued a mayday signal and was
forced to land at an airbase on Hainan Island after the incident over the
South China Sea.
The four-engine propeller plane was on a routine mission in international

airspace at the time of the collision.

Pacific Command spokesman Colonel John Bratton said the minor collision
appeared to be "an accident" and the Chinese had not forced the plane down.
The US has communicated its concern about the incident to the Chinese
Government.
It comes at a time when Sino-American relations are under increasing strain.
US plans to develop a national missile shield - the so-called "son of star
wars" - are a particularly contentious issue.
US Navy Commander Rex Totty said: "We expect that the government will
respect the integrity of the aircraft and the well-being and safety of the
crew in accordance with international practices, expedite any necessary
repairs to the aircraft and facilitate the immediate return of the
aircraft."
The Chinese foreign ministry has yet to comment on the incident.
The US plane took off from Kadena Airbase in Okinawa, Japan.