BBC Wednesday, 11 April, 2001, 11:47 GMT 12:47 UK

Spy plane breakthrough

The US air crew detained in China is to be released, Chinese state media has said.

A statement read on television and radio said the crew would be able to go after what it called "necessary formalities" had been completed.

The 24 crew members have been detained on the island of Hainan since their plane and a Chinese fighter jet collided 11 days ago.

The Chinese state news agency reported that their release followed the delivery of a letter to the Chinese foreign ministry from the American ambassador, in which the US Government said it was "very sorry" about the incident.

On Wednesday, there were increasing signs that both sides in the dispute appeared to be edging towards resolution.

US State Department officials said that in a draft document offered to Beijing, the US expressed regret for landing on Chinese soil without permission.

Meanwhile, China's state-run media began reporting comments made by US Secretary of State Colin Powell three days ago, in which he expressed sorrow for last week's collision.

'Sincere apology'

The Chinese news agency, Xinhua, reported that the US letter read: "Both President Bush and Secretary of State Powell have expressed their sincere regret over your missing pilot and aircraft.

"Please convey to the Chinese people and to the family of pilot Wang Wei that we are very sorry for their loss," the letter said, according to Xinhua.

The apology added that the Washington was sorry that the plane entered China's airspace and landing without a verbal clearance.

Background diplomacy

China's evening television news quoted Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan as saying the release of the crew was being made as a humanitarian gesture, and repeating the mid-air collision was the responsibility of the US.

This is unlikely to be the end of the dispute. There is no mention in the Chinese statements about the spy plane itself.

Correspondents say that there is likely to be some background diplomacy and hard bargaining going on as the US crew are released.

They say China is likely to press hard for restrictions on US surveillance flights over or near Chinese territory.

Beijing is also likely to pressure the US on bilateral concerns such as trade and entry to the World Trade Organisation.

Preparing public opinion

The change in the character of the Chinese media reporting, correspondents say, was preparing public opinion for an announcement that a deal to return the crew of the US spy plane had been reached.

The two sides had been locked in a diplomatic deadlock, with Washington holding back from meeting Beijing demands for an outright apology.

But US officials have refused to apologise outright because they do not believe the collision was their fault. The US also maintains that the accident occurred in international airspace.

Sense of outrage

Correspondents say the precise wording, and the extent of regret, offered by the US in writing was crucial because Chinese leaders needed something to show the public, whose sense of outrage over the incident has been heightened by anti-US rhetoric in state media.

They also say Chinese officials appear to be preparing to announce the death of the missing airman, Wang Wei.

The announcement of the pilot's death and the abandonment of a massive search for him is being seen as a vital part of bringing this dispute towards a conclusion.

State media have lionised the pilot as a patriot who crashed defending his country. Reports say more than 1,000 military and civilian vessels have joined the search for him.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

Answers

Far as I know, there was no apology to China. Reports say Bush told them he was very sorry the plane had to land in China without prior permission and he was sorry the pilot was dead. Well, hell, so am I. I'm sorry we had to go through all that crap and I'm sorry the plane didn't have a fighter escort to blow both Chinese planes and pilots out of the sky for hotdogging. I'm also sorry I've quit buying Chinese goods because I really like those lighthouse lawn ornaments (snort).

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

I'm sorry we have to put up with their idiocy, too.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

Come now folks, we all know Jesse Jackson is the real reason our people were freed! Hell, just the the thought of him showing up in China revolted them so....

Dennis

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

I'm glad that the crew is being released. I won't be completely relaxed until I know that they are on US soil.

Can we get rid of the plane now?

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

LOL Dennis!

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

I had the same thought, Dennis. It can't be coincidence that this sudden breakthrough took place within hours of Jackson making the suggestion.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001