Wednesday, April 4, 2001

By Mark Oliva, Okinawa bureau

CAMP FOSTER — U.S. servicemembers on Okinawa think politics are the overriding reason for the latest tangling between China and the United States.

Still, those based closest to China are anxiously awaiting word on the status of 24 crewmen who were aboard a Navy EP-3E Aries II aircraft forced to make an emergency landing in China.

"I’m still trying to figure out what’s fact," said Marine Capt. Ralph Fleming, a C-130 pilot stationed on Okinawa. "Am I concerned for the crew? Always."

China and the U.S. continued to tangle diplomatically Tuesday after the Navy aircraft and a Chinese F-8 interceptor collided in mid-air over the South China Sea. The EP-3 crew made an emergency landing on China’s Hainan Island and last contact with crewmembers was just after landing. U.S. diplomats expected to meet with the crew late Tuesday.

The emergency landing touched home for many servicemembers here. The plane was deployed to Okinawa and took off from nearby Kadena Air Base.

Marine Staff Sgt. Lester Stone said the incident is hardly surprising and is reminiscent of the Cold War between the United States and the former Soviet Union.

"They’ve got a name for it," Stone said. "It’s called ‘thumping.’ I don’t think it has anything to do with our people or the Chinese people. It’s something our governments play up."

Others think China might be trying to egg on another Cold War.

"You’ve got two giants blowing smoke at each other playing political poker," said Marine Sgt. Richard Smith. "It’s just a show of muscle."

For now, though, there seemed to be no fear for the crews’ safety.

"They’re going to use them as a bargaining chip, I think," Smith added. "I think they’re going to be fine."

Others think China shouldn’t be trusted.

"I’m concerned about the families of the crew … of course," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Wyeth Daniel from the U.S. Naval Hospital. "Human rights should be our number one concern."

Daniel said his concern stems from nearly three days of silence from the crew and broken promises to allow diplomats to speak with them.

"They need to be more aggressive dealing with them diplomatically," he said.

Servicemembers see the latest incident as raising the stakes for the future of U.S. forces stationed near China.

"It re-emphasizes our importance in this region," said Marine Master Sgt. Clarence Burnette of Camp Foster. "It should be concern because of our proximity if anything goes down. Okinawa could be a launching point."

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