[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 15 (Monday, April 16, 2001)]
[Page 611]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Return of United States Navy Aircraft Crewmembers From 
China

April 12, 2001

    Good afternoon. A short time ago I had the opportunity to speak to 
the 24 members of our United States flightcrew and welcome them home to 
America.
    I told them they represent the best of American patriotism and 
service to their country. They did their duty with honor and with great 
professionalism. They are a reminder of the debt of gratitude all 
Americans owe to the men and women who wear our country's uniform and 
who voluntarily risk their lives in the service of freedom.
    We are proud of our crew. And I am glad that they will be with their 
families this Easter weekend.
    I know I speak for all Americans in saluting their courage and the 
extraordinary skill of the pilot, Navy Lieutenant Osborn, who guided the 
severely damaged aircraft to an emergency landing that saved 24 lives.
    We're looking forward to talking with the flightcrew about exactly 
how the accident happened. From all the evidence we have seen, the 
United States aircraft was operating in international airspace in full 
accordance with all laws, procedures, and regulations and did nothing to 
cause the accident.
    The United States and China have agreed that representatives of our 
Governments will meet on April 18th to discuss the accident. I will ask 
our United States representative to ask the tough questions about 
China's recent practice of challenging United States aircraft operating 
legally in international airspace.
    Reconnaissance flights are a part of a comprehensive national 
security strategy that helps maintain peace and stability in our world. 
During the last 11 days, the United States and China have confronted 
strong emotions, deeply held and often conflicting convictions, and 
profoundly different points of view. China's decision to prevent the 
return of our crew for 11 days is inconsistent with the kind of 
relationship we have both said we wish to have.
    As we move forward, the United States and China will no doubt again 
face difficult issues and fundamental disagreements. We disagree on 
important basic issues such as human rights and religious freedom. At 
times, we have different views about the path to a more stable and 
secure Asian-Pacific region.
    We have different values, yet common interests in the world. We 
agree on the importance of trade, and we want to increase prosperity for 
our citizens. We want the citizens of both our countries to enjoy the 
benefits of peace in the world, so we need to work together on global 
security problems, such as preventing the spread of weapons of mass 
destruction.
    I will always stand squarely for American interests and American 
values. And those will no doubt sometimes cause disagreements with 
China. Yet, I will approach our differences in a spirit of respect.
    The kind of incident we have just been through does not advance a 
constructive relationship between our two countries. Both the United 
States and China must make a determined choice to have a productive 
relationship that will contribute to a more secure, more prosperous, and 
more peaceful world.
    I know I speak for all Americans when I say, welcome home to our 
flightcrew. I want to thank the families for your patience and for your 
sacrifice, and I wish all my fellow Americans a rich and meaningful 
Easter and Passover.
    God bless.

Note: The President spoke at 3:15 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Lt. Shane Osborn, USN.