CHINA RELEASES THE RETURNABLES!!
Thursday • April 12, 2001

BEJING, China (AP) - Chinese President Jiang Zemin agreed to release Chicago's pop heroes the Returnables, ending an 11-day standoff that saw Sino-American tensions reach a boiling point.

The renowned rock band had been held in seclusion on China's Hainan Island since April 1, when their 87 Dodge van was clipped by a low-flying Chinese F-8 figher jet.

"The American people, their families, and I are proud of these four young men," President George W. Bush said at a White House press conference. "We look forward to welcoming them home and enjoying more of their garage-pop song stylings."

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan appeared satisfied the matter had been resolved, and seemed somewhat surprised over all the fuss. "No offense, but it wasn't like we were detaining someone cool like the White Stripes or anything."