Yesterday, John McCain released the following statement regarding the
release of the American Air Crew being held by China on Hainan Island:
"I am relieved that the twenty-four Americans held by China for eleven days
have been released and are now returning to the United States. I share the
happiness of all Americans for their safe return, and I am very proud of
their faithful service to our country.

"I cannot say, however, that the Government of China's belated decision to
return our servicemen and women has allayed doubts over China's commitment
to a respectful, mutually beneficial relationship with the United States
and to the international norms of behavior upon which world peace and
stability depend.

"These doubts have been raised by China's own inexcusable conduct, its
reprehensible detention of our air crew as it dishonestly attempted to
shift blame for the mid air collision to the United States from where it
rightfully belongs &Mac246; with the Chinese policy of dangerously challenging our
lawful and essential surveillance flights in international airspace over the
South China Sea.

"China's behavior has damaged U.S./Sino relations, not irreparably, but
seriously. And the primary responsibility for repairing our relationship
rests, as does responsibility for this incident, squarely with Beijing.
U.S. surveillance of Chinese military activity in the South China Sea is a
normal and necessary practice by the United States in its capacity as the
principal guarantor of peace and stability in East Asia. It should
continue for as long as the interests of the United States and our allies
require it.

"Discussions with the Chinese subsequent to this incident, in any forum
they occur, must leave no doubt whatsoever of our firm resolve to meet
fully our responsibilities to safeguard regional stability and the security
of the United States and our allies. We must avoid, at all costs, giving
Chinese leaders the impression that they will profit by challenging
America's global responsibilities and substituting demagoguery and
hostility for the respect and understanding that are the foundation of a
normal, sustainable relationship between nations.

"I am confident President Bush will instruct American officials to make our
position clear to their Chinese counterparts at the earliest opportunity."