Howard praises Bush over handling of spy plane crisis

0 Comments | Asian Political News, April 16, 2001

SYDNEY, April 12 Kyodo

Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Thursday praised U.S. President George W. Bush for his handling of the recent U.S.-China diplomatic standoff.

''I think the president has handled the issue with a great deal of patience but also considerable strength,'' said Howard.

The 24 crew members of a U.S. surveillance plane returned to U.S. soil Thursday, 11 days after a collision between their EP-3 and a Chinese fighter jet forced them to make an unauthorized landing on China's Hainan island, where they were detained by Chinese authorities.

The Australian premier welcomed the fact the U.S. servicemen and women would be reunited with their families for Easter, but expressed sorrow over the death of the Chinese pilot, and extended his sympathy to the pilot's family.

Howard said he did not believe Bush could be criticized over his handling of the incident, which tested relations between the two powerful nations.