That decision must come before June 3, followed by congressional debate and a vote. Some will push for attaching conditions and legislation that would withdraw normal trade relations, which was introduced on Wednesday. That debate will certainly now be much more heated that anyone had anticipated. This is nasty stuff. Both Washington and Beijing must stop issuing public demands that will only harden public opinion, making resolution of this unfortunate and tragic accident increasingly difficult.
China needs to allow more frequent and easier access to the crew.
Allowing the crew to call their families would be a good gesture. The United States has already expressed regret publicly and in a letter to the Chinese government over the accident. The United States should also offer condolences directly to the family of the downed pilot. China should complete its own investigation in the next several days and release the crew. Then, let the United States and China argue over the plane and the details.