Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian said the US should face reality, and bear responsibility for the recent collision between the Chinese and US planes.

"The US should apologize to the Chinese people and take effective measures to avoid another similar matter from happening," said Chi, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor.

He told visiting Brazilian Defense Minister Graldo Magela Da Cruz Quintao that for many years, US surveillance planes have frequently flown close to Chinese coastal areas for reconnaissance. And it is justified and conforming to international practice for Chinese planes to track and monitor them.

Chi said the direct cause of the collision was that the US plane violated flight rules, and veered suddenly at the Chinese planes from a wide angle.

He said human life is the most important thing in the world, and the Chinese government is very concerned about the missing pilot, and will continue to search for and rescue him.

On bilateral relations, Chi said China and Brazil have expanded their cooperation in political, economic, military and cultural fields since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1974, and the two countries have maintained sound cooperation in dealing with international affairs.

He expressed gratitude for the support of the Brazilian government to China on the issues of human rights and Taiwan.

Bilateral military relations have developed smoothly, Chi said, adding that it conforms to the fundamental interests of the people of the two countries.

"We hold a positive attitude to developing cooperation between the two armed forces in all fields, and are ready to work with Brazil for this purpose," he added.

Quintao said his China tour coincides with Chinese President Jiang Zemin's Latin American trip, and Brazil will be very honored to welcome Jiang in a few days.

He said Brazil seeks multi-polarity, opposes hegemonism, and safeguards world peace, and Brazil and China should strengthen cooperation. He expressed the belief that the visit will further military relations between Brazil and China.

(Xinhua 04/08/2001)