For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 11, 2001
Letter from Ambassador Prueher to Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang
Dear Mr. Minister:
On behalf of the United States Government, I now outline steps to
resolve this issue.
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.
Although the full picture of what transpired is still unclear,
according to our information, our severely crippled aircraft made an
emergency landing after following international emergency
procedures. We are very sorry the entering of China's
airspace and the landing did not have verbal clearance, but very
pleased the crew landed safely. We appreciate China's
efforts to see to the well-being of our crew.
In view of the tragic incident and based on my discussions with your
representative, we have agreed to the following actions:
Both sides agree to hold a meeting to discuss the
incident. My government understands and expects that our
aircrew will be permitted to depart China as soon as possible.
The meeting would start April 18, 2001.
The meeting agenda would include discussion of the causes of the
incident, possible recommendations whereby such collisions could be
avoided in the future, development of a plan for prompt return of the
EP-3 aircraft, and other related issues. We acknowledge your
government's intention to raise U.S. reconnaissance missions near China
in the meeting.
Sincerely,
Joseph W. Prueher
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