The Chinese authorities have called for the repatriation of the pilot detained in Taiwan after he diverted his civil airliner from its scheduled domestic flight.

Officials in Taiwan have condemned the pilot's action, but say the case will be dealt with by their own judicial authorities.

Talks between Taipei and Beijing on repatriating hijackers broke down three years ago, but correspondents say that following the highest level meetings between the two sides for fifty years earlier this month they now seem eager to resolve this issue.

Fourteen hijackers from the mainland are serving prison sentences in Taiwan -- who may be repatriated at the end of their prison terms.