1.   A two-week stand-off ensued before the crew were released.

2.   Chinese officials released the crew after the United States sent a letter expressing sorrow for the collision and for the U.S. plane landing without permission in China.

3.   Chinese officials have said several times that they will not release the crew until an investigation is completed.

4.   China agreed to release the crew shortly after receiving a carefully worded letter of regret from Ambassador Joseph Prueher, the U.S. envoy to China, on Wednesday.

5.   China had said it would not release the crew until it got a U.S. apology.

6.   He was quickly told the Chinese were satisfied, and planned to release the crew the same day.

7.   Several times, Chinese officials have said they will not release the crew until an investigation is completed.

8.   The ambassador was summoned back to the Foreign Ministry hours later and was told that the crew would be released for humanitarian reasons.

9.   The crew could be released when the two sides sign a letter, while the plane probably would be held longer.

10.   The two crews were released from their firefighting duties this morning, and counselors are talking with them Thursday.