U.S. Diplomats have begun a new diplomatic initiative to diffuse the China standoff over the collision and subsequent emergency landing on Hainan Island in the South China Sea.  Beginning late Tuesday, 4/3/01, new terminology, and admittedly less forceful language was heard around diplomatic circles.  By early a.m. 4/4/01, the dialog seems to have moved to use of less inflammatory.  "A tragic accident occurred ...we regret  the loss of the Chinese fighter pilot in the accident...we look forward to the opportunity to exchange explanations..." all were part of a short statement by Secretary of State Colin Powell issued on 4/4/01.

Interestingly, the new language was followed almost immediately by a hard line rhetoric by several Senators and U.S. Representatives.  This could be an indication of a two pronged effort by the Bush administration ...using the Legislative branch to feed the need of the American people for a tough stance against the Chinese, and at the same time, open the diplomatic door to more productive meetings to get the crew and perhaps aircraft back into the U.S.

While the EP-3A airframe is an expensive piece of equipment, most experts believe that it's value vanished in the first 24 hours of Chinese boarding the plane.  Therefore, it is likely that advice to President George W. Bush is to publicly focus on the return of the crew and plane, however, not to expect to actually ever see the plane in the U.S. again.

In all fairness, China's leaders may be in a position that requires them to show a tough face to their people.  And clearly if diplomatic efforts can be successful and they appear to have least inspired a reaction from a Chinese official stating the new U.S. rhetoric is a step in the right direction.

Today's activities included a briefing:

• Early release of the new softer language strategy through key press representatives
• Brief Statement (in the new softer language) by Secretary of State Colin Powell.
• Air Fleischer, the White House Press Secretary confirmed talks are continuing
• Republican Senators and Congressmen play the tough guys, maintaining the U.S. is in no way at fault.
• Richard Boucher State Department Spokesman also used the softer language "issuing a statement of regret." and "This is a regrettable event ... a tragic accident." attempting to remove the blame issue, and exchange information on how it happened."