Beijing may reduce demands

In this story: Room to move 'Hegemonic acts' RELATED STORIES, SITES

By Willy Lam
Senior China Analyst

HONG KONG, China -- How soon the spy plane crisis can be resolved could rest on whether the Bush administration can patch it up with Beijing without tendering a formal apology, analysts say.

The Beijing-based analysts say judging by past practice, Beijing might climb down from its full demands if the other party to the crisis makes a significant gesture of goodwill.

"Bush can send a high-level emissary to Beijing, or better still, call [President] Jiang Zemin on the presidential hotline," said a source close to Beijing's diplomatic establishment.

"In addition to expressing regrets over the damaged jetfighter and the lost pilot, Bush or the emissary could express sincere concern for all Chinese hurt by the incident -- and pledge to review American air surveillance operations in Asia."

Bush has refused to use the hotline established between Jiang and former president Bill Clinton -- and his taking the initiative to place the call can be seen as a demonstration of good will.

"The word 'review' has a generally neutral connotation in English," the source said.

"However, one of its commonly used Chinese translations, jian tao, can have the connotation of 'examining one's mistakes' or even 'self-criticism.' The use of expertly nuanced wording can enable Washington to hold its ground while placating the Chinese."

Room to move

A Western diplomat said Jiang's demands, made moments before his departure for South America on Wednesday, also offered some room for maneuver.

In addition to asking for an apology, the Chinese president said: "The U.S. should do something favorable to the smooth development of China-U.S. relations."

"Jiang is telling Americans that as important as an apology are positive signals from the U.S. on issues including American arms sales to Taiwan, China's accession to the World Trade Organization, and China's application to host the 2008 Summer Olympics," the diplomat said.

"A commitment by Washington on these issues -- including one made privately -- may prompt the Chinese to speed up the resolution of the spy plane crisis."

It is understood one option Beijing is weighing in response to some demonstration of American good will is that part of the 24-member crew held on Hainan island may be released or expelled from the country.

However, the pilot and commanding officer of the EP-3 may be held for a longer period while the Chinese investigate charges including incursion into Chinese territory or even causing the death of the pilot.

Meanwhile, Beijing's position on the aircraft collision issue has noticeably hardened and veteran observers in the Chinese capital say the possibilities for a solution before Jiang returns from his six-nation tour have decreased.

'Hegemonic acts'

The People's Daily on Thursday ran a commentary entitled "Hegemonic acts and hegemonic logic" which slammed Washington for allegedly refusing to honor international laws.

The Liberation Army Daily carried an article entitled "Hegemonism cannot win the hearts of people."

Most newspapers ran on their front pages the angry words of Ruan Guoqin, the wife of the lost pilot, who blasted the "hegemonic acts of the U.S."

However, Beijing has continued to ask college authorities to turn down requests from students to hold anti-U.S. demonstrations.

This is despite reports that student activities in Peking University and Tsinghua University are planning a demonstration over the weekend.

The only protest gathering reported by the Chinese media was one held in Hainan province by a group of navy personnel based on the island.

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April 5, 2001
Martyrdom campaign for missing Chinese pilot
April 5, 2001

Chinese government
U.S. State Department

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