Powell Seeks Speedy End To China Plane Standoff U.S. Officials Finally Meet With Crew As Sec'y Of State Calls For Their Quick Release IN CHINA: U.S. Defense Attache Army Brig. Gen. Neal Sealock speaks Tuesday after meeting with members of the detained U.S. aircrew in Haikou, Hainan Island. He said crew members were well.(A)

Byline: AP

Secretary of State Colin Powell said Tuesday he wanted a speedy resolution of the U.S.-China standoff over a U.S. spy plane after U.S.officials were allowed to meet with the crew.

"I hope that is the beginning of an end to this incident," Powell said.

The U.S. meeting with the crew came three days after the surveillance plane and a Chinese fighter jet collided, sending the smaller fighter into the sea. China blamed the U.S., while U.S. officials insisted the American plane was in international airspace on a routine mission.

The incident heightened tension between the two countries.

Chinese officials said the U.S. should halt flights so close to China. U.S. officials said China was not following established diplomatic practices when itdelayed U.S. contact with the plane's 24 crew members.

"I hope that this meeting will lead to the rapid release of all of the members of the crew back to the United States so they can be returned to their families," Powell told reporters.